Community spirit shines at large-scale youth baseball event

By Haylee Winger
Whitecourt was a hub of excitement this past weekend as it hosted a large-scale youth baseball
tournament that brought together 465 young athletes aged 5 to 18. A total of 39 teams took part,
traveling from communities across Alberta, including Mayerthorpe, Edson, Pembina, Peace
River, Parkland, Red Deer, Barrhead, Fort Saskatchewan, Anselmo, Valleyview, and Edmonton.
The tournament saw a significant expansion from last year. In 2024, the event featured 20 teams
playing on four diamonds. This year, the tournament nearly doubled in size, with 39 teams
competing on nine diamonds throughout the community. With more than 83 games scheduled
over the weekend, the event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for youth baseball in the region.
Umpires from Whitecourt, Hinton, and Barrhead were brought in to officiate the games. In
addition to the on-field action, families and spectators enjoyed a lively atmosphere with 50/50
draws, a dunk tank, batting cage rentals, concession services, and even on-site camping options
for teams and their supporters.
Volunteerism played a crucial role in making the event a success. A total of 518 volunteer shifts
were filled, not including the countless hours contributed by the organizing committee. Prior to
the tournament, volunteers assembled welcome packages for all 465 players, which included
drinks, snacks, and a range of goodies to make each participant feel appreciated.
“It has been a heartwarming experience to have the support of so many for this Exhibition
Weekend! The Whitecourt Royals were able to welcome 465 players with packages courtesy of
many businesses banding together. We are so grateful to so many for making sure every ball
player was made to feel welcome in our community,” said the Whitecourt Minor Ball
Communications Coordinator.
Numerous local businesses stepped up to support the initiative. No Frills, Circle K, Badger
Daylighting, and Mountain Pizza and Steakhouse ensured every player stayed hydrated
throughout the weekend by donating beverages. CO-OP Pembina West and KRB Energy
Solutions provided granola bars for every participant, while Courier Vending, Circle K, and
Mountain Pizza and Steakhouse contributed chips for the welcome packages. Dairy Queen,
McDonald’s, and the Allan & Jean Millar Centre offered coupons for treats and recreational
activities, giving players something to enjoy during downtime between games. The Town of
Whitecourt added a fun touch by gifting each player a new Crocs accessory to take home as a
keepsake.
Whitecourt Minor Ball coaches were also recognized, with all 39 entered into a draw for a gift
basket sponsored by Mark’s Work Wearhouse Whitecourt.
The Whitecourt Slo-Pitch Association played a pivotal role by allowing the use of all the
diamonds at Graham Acres and lending equipment necessary to maintain the expanded schedule.
Fox Creek Minor Baseball also supported the event by providing a portable mound to help
accommodate the additional games.

Support from businesses and local government was instrumental in making the tournament a
success. The long list of sponsors included Alexander Safety, Badger Daylighting, Bear Creek
Rentals, Blainer’s Welding, C4 Pivotal Bookkeeping, Carlan Services Ltd., Circle K, CO-OP
Pembina West, Courier Vending, Dairy Queen, E360S, G & L Crane, KRB Energy Solutions,
Life Med Pharmacy, Lochtite Wrenchin’, Mark’s, McDonald’s, Mountain Pizza and Steak
House, No Frills, Prairie Disposal, Ralcomm, the Town of Whitecourt, West Fraser, Whitecourt
Manual Osteopathy, and Woodlands County.
“We are grateful to Whitecourt Slo-Pitch Association for allowing us to use the diamonds this
weekend that are allocated to them,” added the Whitecourt Baseball Communications
Coordinator. “Fox Creek Minor Baseball was kind enough to lend us their portable mound to
accommodate the expansion of baseball beyond our usual diamonds.”
Thanks to the tireless work of volunteers, generous business sponsors, and enthusiastic players
and families, the tournament was a resounding success. The event showcased not only the talent
and dedication of the youth athletes but also the strength and generosity of the Whitecourt
community.