Central Oregon Strong: Bend South Little League launches Silver Rail Elementary scholarship fund

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend South Little League has launched the Silver Rail Elementary Scholarship Fund to provide 100% registration scholarships for students wishing to play baseball or softball during the 2027 season. The initiative was established following a tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary.

The scholarship fund was created to ensure financial constraints do not prevent children at Silver Rail Elementary from participating in local youth sports. Early contributions have already allowed the league to offer full fee coverage for students.

“In the wake of the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary, Bend South Little League's hearts remain with the students, families, teachers and everyone impacted,” Bend South Little League said in a statement. “As a league rooted in this community, we want to do more than simply offer our words of support. We want to make a lasting difference.”

Registration for the scholarship program begins Nov. 15 through the league's online portal. Families must select their player's division and enter the promotional code SILVERRAIL at checkout. The league treasurer will then conduct a confidential enrollment verification with Silver Rail Elementary before applying the complete fee waiver.

The scholarship program is entirely community-driven, sustained through individual donations, corporate sponsorships and proceeds from a dedicated Silver Rail merchandise collection. All profits from the merchandise sales directly benefit the scholarship fund.

“At Bend South Little League, we firmly believe every child who wants to play baseball or softball deserves the opportunity to step up to the plate,” the organization said. “We believe every child deserves the joy of being part of a team, especially during difficult times. A chance to get outside, make friends, build confidence and simply be a kid. And finances should never stand in the way.”

“Thanks to early support from donors near and far, we're already offering full registration fee coverage to Silver Rail students, ensuring they can join their classmates on the field for a season of friendship, teamwork, growth and fun,” the league added.

Registration for Silver Rail Elementary families opens Nov. 15 for the 2027 season.