For a group of St. Thomas Aquinas High School students, stepping up to the plate at Kenora's World Series meant more than playing baseball. It was an opportunity to build friendships, celebrate inclusion, and experience the power of belonging in a community where everyone had a place on the field.
Held in partnership with the Kenora Association for Community Living (KACL) and Triple PLAY Kenora, the event brought together local leaders, athletes, first responders, youth players, seniors, and community members of all abilities for a day of baseball, connection, and fun.
The opportunity grew out of the Blue Jays Affiliate School program after STAHS educator Cassandra Babiachuk successfully secured a Girls At Bat grant through Jays Care Foundation. The grant helped expand baseball opportunities at the school while promoting leadership, confidence, and participation.
In preparation for the event, students in the Girls At Bat and Challenger Baseball programs spent six weeks participating in weekly practices focused on skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building. The sessions helped students develop skills, build relationships, and prepare for a community event centred on inclusion.
"Through Girls At Bat, we've been able to create opportunities for students to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover a sense of belonging through sport," said Cassandra Babiachuk. "Seeing our students take those experiences beyond the school and into the community at Kenora's World Series has been incredibly rewarding."
During Kenora's World Series, STAHS students joined participants from across the region on the field, batting, fielding, cheering, and sharing memorable moments with teammates of all ages and abilities. Their participation reflected the event's message that baseball, and community, are for everyone.
"One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been watching students support and encourage one another," said Bernadette Martin, Teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. "By sharing the field with community members of all abilities, they learned the value of inclusion, teamwork, and supporting one another."
Through Girls At Bat and Challenger Baseball, the Blue Jays Affiliate School program has engaged approximately 35 students, helping them develop skills, confidence, and connections through sport.
Organized as part of Community Living Month celebrations, Kenora's World Series concluded with Team Community and Team Living finishing in an 18-18 tie. More importantly, the event brought people of all abilities together to play, connect, and celebrate.
The season will conclude this week as students from both programs join other local schools for additional games. The experience has highlighted how Girls At Bat and Challenger Baseball help students develop confidence, build connections, and discover the value of belonging through sport.
