The ever-popular Youth Athletic Organisation (YAO) Baseball League, sponsored by the Argus Group since 1988, swung into action again on Saturday with hundreds of youngsters swarming to the Southside playing fields in St. David's.

Argus president and CEO Gerald Simons threw out the first pitch before games got underway, featuring children between the ages of five and 16.

All told some 400 youngsters will be participating in the league, which has been thriving in Bermuda for the past 27 years and is a charter member of Little League Baseball Incorporated, the world's largest organised youth sports programme.

The YAO League consists of 28 teams in four divisions. Games will take place every Saturday through to June 23.

Simons told players and parents: "Argus is proud to continue to sponsor the YAO Baseball League. The Argus Group believes in community participation and the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles for the youth of Bermuda."

Stefan Stecko, president of the YAO League, added, "Baseball is a sport that not only provides physical activity for children but also develops their understanding of team dynamics.

"On behalf of the YAO League we would like to thank the Argus Group for their ongoing support and wish the best of luck to the teams during the 2007 season."