Thunder Bay International Baseball Association Announces Fourth Partner-Air Canada for the XXVIII World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Thunder Bay 2017 Volunteer Website and Database Open for Interested Persons
Thunder Bay – The Board of Directors and local organizers of the upcoming 2017 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup (September 1-10) in Thunder Bay are adding to their list of supporters with the announcement that Air Canada has joined the event as the fourth partner.
“Air Canada is proud to be a sponsor of the 2017 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. For a global carrier, an international tournament such as this is an opportunity to do what we do best, connect people from around the world, including bringing them to local communities. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help fly these gifted athletes and their fans to Thunder Bay for what is certain to be a successful tournament,” said Kevin Howlett, Senior Vice President, Regional Markets and Government Relations, at Air Canada. Air Canada joins Tbaytel, Goldcorp and CN Rail as the final partner.
A number of companies have also signed on to support September’s world championship. “We are extremely pleased with the number of businesses and organizations that have jumped on board,” said Larry Hebert, President of Thunder Bay International Baseball Association “We have far surpassed our original expectations and that is always a good surprise.”
30 other organizations have joined the event by way of sponsorship and support (see attached backgrounder for more detail.) Opportunities are still available for those that are interested.
Today’s media conference was hosted at the Valhalla Inn, one of the three hotels that will house athletes and officials during the 10 day event this fall. The other two are the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre and the Airlane Hotel / Travelodge – Thunder Bay.
Although recent weather may have slowed progress, construction and improvements are well underway at Baseball Central and Port Arthur Stadium. “We have a number of projects that are ongoing,” says Reg Galbraith, Director of Facilities for TBIBA. “Fortunately we began the improvements last fall and we therefore have a head start. We will be ready for the audit the WBSC officials will conduct in June.”
A volunteer database has also been developed and is housed on the official website www.thunderbay2017.com. Those interested in participating in the event can register online and be matched to those positions that are available. “Volunteers are the backbone of events such as this one,” said Warren Philp , Executive Director.
“No baseball expertise is needed for many of the positions that are available. If you have an interest, register today.”
Tournament passes are still on sale online through the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and can be accessed through the championships website (www.thunderbay2017.com). Single game tickets will be available in upcoming weeks once the game schedule is confirmed.
