Little Leaguers to Play Cuban Youth Teams

Sports Illustrated reports that the Twin State Peregrines, a Little League all-star team from Vermont and Western New Hampshire, will fly to Cuba for a 10-day tour where they will play a different Cuban youth team each day. After three rejections, the US Department of Treasury finally approved the trip, which received backing from the likes of Vermont lieutenant governor Brian Dubie.

Due to the US embargo, in place since 1961, Little League International won't sanction the trip. So the Peregrines (a type of North American falcon, apparently, also known as a "duck hawk") are hoping to raise $45,000 to cover travel expenses and solicit donations of "uniforms and equipment." As of July 1, they've raised $11K, so they've a ways to go. You can support the Peregrines--and pass along a little international good karma-- here.

The trip takes place August 9-18. The kids will be staying in a resort, where they'll be bused to the different venues. Not sure how much "sight-seeing" they'll be doing (and I say that with my tongue firmly in cheek) but there's no question this trip will be mind-bending for the American coaches and their eleven- and twelve-year-old charges. Kudos for all their hard work and persistence in making this happen.