The Summer Slam Slo-Pitch tournament in Burnaby, B.C. is an annual event that brings together 28 teams of players who are in recovery from addiction. The tournament is organized by Together We Can, a Canadian non-profit addiction treatment service provider. The event, which began in 2016, is the largest recovery softball tournament in the country. According to Stacey Wilson, the executive director of Together We Can, the tournament provides an opportunity for participants to build fellowship and community, creating bonds that contribute to their ongoing recovery. For many participants who may not have family or who have been estranged from their families, the tournament offers a chance to connect with others who understand their struggles, forming a supportive and understanding community.
One of the participants in the tournament is Rob Slater, who started a team called the Devil’s Rejects a few years ago. Slater, who struggled with addiction starting in his teenage years and began his recovery journey in his mid-20s, credits recovery softball as an important part of his sobriety. He emphasized the significance of feeling connected to others and being part of a community, especially during times when individuals in recovery may feel lost or isolated. The community formed through the tournament provides a sense of unity and support for participants, helping them to stay on track with their recovery journey.
The Summer Slam Slo-Pitch tournament takes place over a weekend at the Riverway Sport Complex in Burnaby and is designed as a family-inclusive event. Participants are encouraged to bring their loved ones to enjoy the festivities, which include not only softball games but also other activities such as face painting, a bouncy castle, and a hot-dog eating contest. The focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for families highlights the importance of community support in the recovery process. By involving family members and loved ones in the event, participants can strengthen their relationships and build a supportive network that extends beyond the tournament.
The tournament represents a significant initiative to promote addiction recovery through sports and community engagement. By organizing a large-scale event like the Summer Slam Slo-Pitch tournament, Together We Can and its participants are able to showcase the power of community support in overcoming addiction challenges. The emphasis on building relationships, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a spirit of unity among participants underscores the importance of social connections in the recovery process. Through activities like softball games and other family-friendly events, the tournament provides a platform for individuals in recovery to come together, share their experiences, and reinforce their commitment to sobriety.
The success and impact of the Summer Slam Slo-Pitch tournament extend beyond the sporting event itself. By bringing together individuals in recovery from addiction and their families, the tournament serves as a reminder of the healing power of community support. Participants like Rob Slater, who have found solace and strength through recovery softball, serve as inspirational figures for others on their recovery journeys. The sense of camaraderie, mutual understanding, and shared experiences that define the tournament create a valuable support network that participants can rely on as they navigate the challenges of addiction recovery. Ultimately, the Summer Slam Slo-Pitch tournament serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for all those who are working towards a healthier, substance-free life.
