Support the Return of Softball to Ontario Communities

To all members of our Softball Community

Sadly we are all aware of the current state of the Provincial lockdown, but continue to be optimistic that we can have a meaningful season in 2021.  At present in the Provincial framework in the Green, Yellow and Orange Zones outdoor team sports are restricted to cohorts/pods of 50 players, as it was in 2020.

What has PWSA/Softball Ontario done to petition the government for change?  We were advised that restrictions would only be modified with the support of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer.  We have reached out to the Minister of Sport, the Health table and made a significant presentation as our case for change.  We continue to support the efforts of other outdoor sports like soccer and Baseball who have also made cases for change but we have been advised by ministry there is “no appetite for a change to the existing framework for sport”.

We have seen that other community interests such as those seeking change for religious ceremonies, outdoor patios and personal care services have through respectfully and thoughtfully reaching out to their local MPP affected the changes they were seeking.

What can you do to help?  We are asking everyone who believes that a return to Softball is essential, to please sign the Ontario petition Softball Ontario Petition and please also write to their local MPP asking them to support the changes to the clauses pertaining to limits of 50 players in cohorts/pods.  We have created a sample letter (attached) you can use.

Not sure who your local MPP is use the link below and enter your postal code.  That will take you to the contact page for your MPP.  Please address your communication to the MPP’s constituency office.  Either email or snail mail to the addressed listed in that section are acceptable.

Members | Legislative Assembly of Ontario (ola.org)

We ask you to also copy on your letter

Minister McLeod lisa.macleodco@pc.ola.org

Premier Ford doug.fordco@pc.ola.org

We need the support of everyone in this Province if we are to drive this change

Form Letter to MPPs