TAPS celebrates 20 years of 'handily beating' police, firefighters, and paramedics (video, 13 photos)

The TAPS softball team celebrated 20 years of existence at their annual final season game, barbecue, and awards ceremony Monday evening.

TAPS stands for 'Together All People Shine' and was started in 1998 by Ben and Marla Pritchard, not only because they had a son with a disability but because they saw so many others who could benefit from a fun weekly sport. 

The team meets once a week to play softball, either amongst themselves or against visiting teams.

They play one game a year against Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, one game against Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services, one game against Emergency Medical Services, and one game against Team Marshal.

"We beat them all handily," said coach Ben Pritchard. 

In 2007, the fire department donated a trophy to the team which is presented every year at the awards ceremony and all participants get medallions.

The team is sponsored by Community Living Algoma. 

The City of Sault Ste. Marie donates to the team time at the baseball diamond at Wellington Street East and Churchill Boulevard.

Pritchard said the players look forward to their weekly summer games.

"It's an opportunity for them to get together and have a good time," said Pritchard.