The Town of Petrolia is hoping to see increased involvement in the Blacktop Baseball program after receiving support through the Jays Care Canadian Local Government Partner Program.
Marketing and Special Events Associate Thera Wagner said this is the first time the town has participated in the program. She applied after she received an email from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, which is working with Jays Care Foundation to increase access to the sport through Challenger Baseball and Girls At Bat programs.
"The [Blacktop Baseball] players are always saying that they would play for the Blue Jays or they'd play for the Tigers, because currently we have blue jerseys and orange jerseys," said Wagner. "When I saw this come through, I thought, what a great opportunity this is for them to actually be part of the Blue Jays association."
The town's Blacktop Baseball program has been running for over 25 years, so individuals of all abilities and all ages can play ball.
"Last year was our biggest year, when we were just shy of 40 players," she said. "Currently, we have mostly adults in the program. If we do start to get a lot of youth out, we will be looking at different time slots for the youth and the adults, depending on abilities."
The season is typically scheduled to begin in June, but Wagner said it may be adjusted if more youth sign up.
"I'm just really looking forward to bringing this to them and showing them that they get a Blue Jays hat at the end of it," she said. "I can't wait to see their smiles."
Aside from a hat and T-shirt, the program provides baseball equipment and coach/staff training, scheduled to take place this spring.
"We will probably have around five coaches trained by the Jays Care program. We'll go through some skill-based stuff that we can apply to our program," she said.
As participants in the Challenger Baseball Program, players will not be charged a fee.
The program is specifically designed to empower children, youth, and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities and helps increase independence, self-esteem, and create new relationships, read a recent report to town council.
Last year, Petrolia's baseball program included a $30 fee per player, which was used for jerseys, equipment, and an end-of-season pizza party.
The program is volunteer-driven, and Wagner said more help is always needed.
"We always need lots of volunteers because of the different abilities of all of our players. Some need one-on-one support, some need wheelchairs pushed around the bases, some just need reminders where to run when the ball's hit," Wagner said. "We probably get around 15 volunteers a week, if we can."
Wagner said it's a great way for high school students to get their volunteer hours.
"It's one of the best -- rewarding positions you would ever have," she said. "You leave this program and you feel so much happier than you did when you first went that morning."
Those interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Wagner at twagner@petrolia.ca or by calling (519) 882-2350 extension 253.
Another exciting aspect of the upcoming season will be the Canada Day game, where local players will take on OPP, Fire, and EMS.