QUEEN’S PARK – This summer, from July 23 to August 1, the world junior baseball under-19 championships were held in Thunder Bay. Teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Panama, the US and Canada attended and competed. The event was held at Port Arthur Stadium and Baseball Central, and both sites were in incredible condition to host an event of this calibre.
I was very pleased that our government was able to support these championships in a very substantial way. Back in 2005, we provided $50,000 for upgrades to Baseball Central. The Ministry of Health Promotion provided $200,000 in funding, and an additional $350,000 came from the northern Ontario heritage fund. Funding from other sources brought the total provincial support for these championships to over $700,000.
The volunteers put on a world-class sporting event, and that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen the extraordinary things that the people of Thunder Bay are capable of. Thunder Bay is home to a large number of hard-working volunteers who have gained a reputation for organizing first-rate events. I know that those who attended the championships this summer from all over the world were thrilled with the quality of everything that was connected to the event.
Congratulations to my old friend and baseball teammate, Warren Philp, and his incredible team of volunteers. They put in so many hours over so many years to bring the world championships to our city and we’re all very proud of what they accomplished, not only for baseball fans but to the benefit of the city and the district of Thunder Bay.
Way to go, Thunder Bay! You did it again.
Bill Mauro MPP