Thanks to Mike Strangeway and Wayne Little for this report and photos from the "Solidarity Softball Tourney" PSAC BC and Victoria-area Locals co-sponsored during National Public Service Week. Over 100 members participated throughout the day, and by all accounts the event was a great success.
This past week saw Federal Government departments across the country celebrating National Public Service week but for one office it was anything but celebration when the 5th annual NPSW Slow Pitch tournament was cancelled due to lack of support from the Pacific Federal Council.
Each year since 2008 staff from several federal government departments would converge on Topaz Park in Victoria to play in a one day fun filled Slow Pitch tournament. 2012 was to be the 5th year but to the surprise of the 200 players and volunteers the funding and ultimately permission to hold the event was pulled at the last minute. When asked for a reason why, all the Pacific Federal Council would say is “Given the current climate within the public service, the decision was made to not proceed with such events during NPSW this year”.
This is where the various unions led by Wayne Little and the Executive of Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) Local 20028 stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with their support of this year’s event. With only three weeks’ notice this year’s interdepartmental slow pitch tournament was reborn and by all accounts was a resounding success.
On June 15thseven teams representing Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, and Parks Canada along with individual members from Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Customs and Border Services came out to Topaz Park to enjoy the sunshine and a burger (or two) and play ball in a round robin format. Thanks to the PSAC and UTE Local 20028 there was music, lots of food and what seemed to be an unlimited supply of swag and door prizes. By all accounts the event was a great success and there is already talk about next year’s tournament.
Leftover food products were donated to and gratefully received by the good people of Our Place, which is a community service provider for the poor, disadvantaged, and homeless of Greater Victoria. www.ourplacesociety.com.
Special thanks to Bob Jackson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for BC, Wayne Little and the Executive from UTE 20028, the PSAC Victoria Regional Office, the local PIPSC branch along with Mike Strangeway and the other volunteers who are always key to making events like this a success.
See you all next June.