qathet slo-pitch charity event reaches end of an era

Debbie and Trevor Mueller and Janet and Len Street have been good friends, slo-pitch teammates and core organizers of the Parkland slo-pitch softball charity game for the past 25 years.

For both families, the annual tournament has grown to include their own children, who are now adults, loyal friends, family, and the qathet community, who have come out every year to support the two-day softball tournament at Sunset Park in Wildwood.

In 2002, after their good friend and teammate passed away from cancer, the money raised by the tournament went to organizations, such as the BC Cancer Agency or University of Calgary Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. But, for the past 10 years, Len said the focus of the funds became more personal.

"The money raised isn't a huge amount," said Len. "We [started] to give directly to families and people who need assistance with travel and cancer treatment/care costs."

Organizers have helped families out with plane tickets to visit sick relatives or given money to families struggling to cope with the realities of dealing with a serious disease.

This year's final tournament took place on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, with 18 teams participating. About half the teams were from the qathet region; the others were from Gibsons, Sechelt and Vancouver Island.

Janet said some people in the community have never missed a game, like Christina Vallier and Dani Thompson. 

"We've made so many friends and connections through these tournaments," said Janet. "Our son now volunteers and sometimes plays."

Debbie and Trevor's son Brad now plays with the Parkland team and their daughter, Alanna, grew up around going to softball games with her parents and friends.

The two-day undertaking involved a lot of organizing and preparation, with everyone on the Parkland team pitching in. Food stations, a beer garden, prizes and field shenanigans were all par for the course. However, a majority of the work fell on the four core organizers: Janet, Len, Trevor and Debbie.

“We are not getting any younger," said Len. "We knew it was time to move on."

The Parkland team plays at least twice a week with around 16 players. Debbie, Trevor, Len and Janet intend to keep playing.

For now though, the group is happy with all of the memories they made with friends and family, and giving back to the community they love so dearly.

Join the Peak’s email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.