Jays Care Local Government Program

Overview of the Jays Care Local Government Program program:

The Jays Care Local Government Program is a community-focused initiative by the Jays Care Foundation, the charitable branch of the Toronto Blue Jays. It empowers Canadian local governments to provide inclusive baseball and softball programming for children and youth who face barriers to sport participation. This program leverages baseball and softball as tools to foster social connection, belonging, and access to physical activity opportunities, while promoting equity and inclusion across diverse communities. The Jays Care Local Government Program offers flexible program streams tailored to the unique needs of local communities: Integrated Program: Designed to integrate baseball and softball activities into existing recreational programs, such as after-school programs or seasonal camps. Requires a minimum of 5 hours of program delivery and allows baseball/softball to be part of a rotating activity schedule. Club Program: A dedicated standalone baseball or softball program offering a more in-depth experience. Requires a minimum of 8 hours of program delivery and provides participants with a focused, skill-building environment. The program also includes specialized initiatives: Challenger Baseball: Designed for individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, offering an adaptive program that encourages participation, fosters courage, and builds independence while promoting the love of baseball and physical activity. Girls At Bat: Aimed at breaking down barriers for girls and young women, this program creates safe and empowering spaces to develop confidence, leadership, and belonging through baseball and softball.

Benefits of the Jays Care Local Government Program program:

• Coach and Equipment Kits: Programs receive resources, including coaching kits and equipment to facilitate program delivery.
• Inclusive Sport Opportunities: Designed to ensure children and youth, including those with disabilities or from underserved backgrounds, have access to meaningful physical activity.
• Specialized Support: Training and resources tailored to creating welcoming environments for marginalized groups, including girls and youth with disabilities.
• Community Building: Strengthens local communities by fostering social connection, teamwork, and physical well-being.

Eligibility criteria of the Jays Care Local Government Program program:

• Local government bodies across Canada, including municipalities, regional governments, arrondissements, and local service boards, are eligible to apply if they currently provide recreational programs for children and youth who face barriers to sport participation.