St. Marys – As a result of last year’s record attendance at the Blue Jays clinic held at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Canada's team is planning to send in its outstanding clinicians to do it again on Saturday, May 3rd, the same day that the Hall's museum opens for its 11th year since landing in St. Marys.
General Motors has generously agreed again to pick up the title sponsorship, which reduces the fee of the camp to twenty dollars. The participants will receive four hours of top notch instruction, along with a Blue Jays cap, a Blue Jays T-Shirt, a ticket for a future Blue Jays game, and a free lunch.
General Motors of Canada Limited and its dealers are proud of their association with minor sports. This year GM of Canada celebrates its 100 years in business and also 100 years of supporting Canadian youth.
“‘Downtown’ is committed, in thought and in action, to minor sports and the development of youth in the St. Marys community," says Chris West, dealer principle of Downtown Pontiac Buick GMC in St. Marys, who are celebrating celebrates their 25th year in business this year.
“It is by supporting our youth with positive endeavours that raises their level of self-esteem and helps in their development. We applaud the efforts of the committed volunteers of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for making this outstanding contribution to our youth and our future.”
“We too are proud to be a part of the resurgence of baseball in the community, and to see so many boys and girls keeping active,” said Don Searles, general manager of Bob Searles Chevrolet in St. Marys.
“Our partnership with the Blue Jays goes far beyond the Rogers Centre, and this is one way to give something back to the families who are our neighbours and customers.”
Boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, even beginners, are encouraged to attend.
“It’s as simple as this - it is the best baseball clinic for youngsters in Canada, and its happening right here in St. Marys,” says Hall president & CEO Tom Valcke.
“Their team of instructors is excellent at what they do, they know their stuff, and they know how to treat kids nicely. It is a day of positive reinforcement and fun combined with constructive improvement where the players need correction.”
Children aged born in 1999 or later will be taught from 9:00am until 1:00pm, followed by lunch. They should dress in their uniform or comfortable clothing, and bring their own ball glove and whatever other equipment they wish. Parents are highly encouraged to please put their child's name on ALL of their equipment.
Players born in 1998 or earlier will have their lunch from 1:00-2:00pm, and then be taught from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.
“We love coming to St. Marys,” says Blue Jays head clinician John Milton.
“The players there are full of passion and enthusiasm, and we are just like the players on the Blue Jays - we love when there is a full house, and we know that the Hall of Fame draws players from all over the Huron-Perth-Middlesex region.”
PLEASE NOTE: 2008 SUMMER CAMPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
* Week-long camps (drop off Sunday, pick-up Saturday), including
accommodation & meals
* Focus on baseball FUNdamentals, swimming, soccer & tennis, trip to Rogers Centre
* Social Justice and Cultural Awareness programs incorporated
* Baseball Celebrities to take part
KEY DATES IN 2007-2008:
Oct 8 – May 2 – Museum open for pre-booked group tours only
May 3, 2008 – Museum Opens for Season
May 3, 2008 – Toronto Blue Jays Clinic
June 27, 2008 – 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic
June 28, 2008 – 2008 Induction Ceremony at 11am
July 6, 2008 – Team Canada games
For more information, please contact:
