Closures and Cancellations:
This past Summer (July 30, 2023), a group of 21 children from the Gryphon ‘Girls at Bat’ program attended the Toronto Blue Jays Game in the Jays Care Community Clubhouse. The children were treated to an amazing experience including a private entrance and suite that included activities, popcorn, lunch, and games ready for them. Everyone was given their own blue jays baseball hat, the opportunity to take home a book from the donated library and received a free pack of baseball cards. To top it off they received a visit from the Blue Jays mascot ‘Ace’ and were showcased on the jumbotron during the game!
The ‘Girls at Bat’ program partners with the Jays Care Foundation to reduce some of the biggest barriers anyone identifying as a girl may face when accessing or participating in sport.
During the program the group gets together one day a week during the summer months and the activities are focused on different skill building formats with friends. The program works to remove these barriers by creating spaces that empower and centre the leadership and voices of girls and provide opportunities for them to learn and play sport with an inclusive community. Each week includes cheers, icebreakers, games, skills, and reflection. For more information click here.
Speaking with a participant’s parent she shared with us her daughters experience with the program.
“The girls at bat program has provided the opportunity for young girls to come together not only learn about baseball but to develop self-confidence, encourage each other in an inclusive format. The games and activities are organized, fun and engaging. The coaches developed connections and supported each of the girls. My daughter has had a tremendous experience with the girls at bat program. Thank you,”
Quotes from our coaches:
“The biggest thing in general that I’ve noticed with the group is how quickly they've become comfortable with each other. They all started out very shy, quiet, and didn't know anyone unless they had a sibling in the program. Now, the girls all know each other by name, easily make groups, pick different partners, encourage each other, etc. They just all seem a lot more confident and comfortable around each other and in the environment,” Girls at Bat program Coach.
“Over the most recent weeks the girls have really put the encouragement into practice. It was one thing to just talk about confidence but seeing them instill it in each other these recent weeks is really beautiful. They even made me go up to bat for one of our drills on Tuesday, and I gave them a big warning that I would not be very good. They all supported me and cheered me on. It honestly made me feel like we have done a great job creating a safe space where all the girls at their various skill levels are comfortable enough to challenge themselves without being embarrassed,” Girls at Bat program coach.
