Rogers Has Helped Over a Thousand Kids Play Baseball and Tennis Across Canada This Summer

Aug 24, 2021 News Releases

 Team Rogers Community Draft program provides $150 in league fees for young athletes playing recreational baseball, tennis, and hockey

Kids receive mentoring from Team Rogers teammates Connor McDavid, Bianca Andreescu, Bo Bichette, John Tavares, Bo Horvat, Félix Auger-Aliassime

TORONTO (August 24, 2021) – Over a thousand young Canadian baseball and tennis athletes learned this summer that they had been “drafted” into the Team Rogers Community Draft program. The nationwide initiative helps kids and their families return to playing recreational sports in their communities when and where it is safe to do so. The program awards kids enrolled in organized hockey, baseball, and tennis with $150 to offset league registration fees, and provides exclusive virtual mentorship experiences with Team Rogers professional athletes and Sportsnet media personalities.

With consideration for ongoing pandemic health and safety protocols, Team Rogers helps families rediscover hope and joy through sport, at a time when they need it most.

The National Hockey League, Tennis Canada, and Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, each support the Team Rogers Community Draft by identifying underserved boys and girls from diverse backgrounds across Canada to take part. More than 3,400 youth have now been “drafted” into the program, including those who participated last winter through organized hockey.

Team Rogers professional athletes who are mentoring their new teammates through unique virtual experiences include Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Bianca Andreescu (Tennis Canada), Bo Bichette (Toronto Blue Jays), John Tavares (Toronto Maple Leafs), Bo Horvat (Vancouver Canucks), Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg Jets), Félix Auger-Aliassime (Tennis Canada), Randal Grichuk (Toronto Blue Jays), and more.

In addition to Team Rogers Community Draft, Rogers is proud to help youth achieve their highest potential and remove barriers to education through Ted Rogers Scholarships, Ted Rogers Community Grants, and programs like Jays Care Foundation’s Rookie League. The company is also helping bridge the digital divide through device donation programs to keep kids connected to mentors and by offering its low-cost high-speed internet program Connected for Success™ across the Rogers coverage area to support low-income families. To learn more about Rogers community investment initiatives to support youth, please visit Rogers recently release annual ESG Report and Social Impact Report.

Quotes:

“Sport has the power to unite Canadians across the country, and empower youth with skills like teamwork and collaboration, while encouraging them to simply have fun. We know that the role of sports in kids’ lives is more important than ever and with the Team Rogers Community Draft, Rogers has the unique privilege of leveraging our sports partners and media assets to help reignite the passion for youth sports while making it just a little bit easier for thousands of families to be part of the games they love.”

Sevaun Palvetzian, Chief Communications Officer and lead for corporate responsibility at Rogers

“The fun and excitement of baseball and the association with the Blue Jays is a powerful way to attract kids facing barriers, who would otherwise stay on the sidelines, to our programs. The game’s ability to develop important life skills in youth is unmatched. We are thrilled that the Team Rogers Community Draft will help thousands of kids unlock their potential through this once-in-a-lifetime experience as they safely return to play in communities across the country.” 

Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation

“I have been playing baseball since I was 3. I even played with a broken arm when I was little. I’m always looking to up my game and that’s why I wanted to join Team Rogers. This is an awesome opportunity to learn and grow as a ball player while continuing to have fun with the game.”

Callum, 14-year-old draft recipient from Sarnia, Ontario

“My son Logan is 14 and plays competitive tennis. After a major injury he couldn’t play for over a year, then COVID hit. It takes a lot of encouragement to keep kids in sport and trying their best. Programs like Team Rogers are so beneficial in supporting young athletes and parents.”

Seline Badel-Wong, parent of draft recipient from Calgary, Alberta

“I love baseball! When I’m up at bat I want to smash that ball! I’m practicing pitching as my aim is very good. Team Rogers is great because they help me with tips on playing better, along with helping my parents out in supporting my sports. Thank you!”

Jordan, 14-year-old draft recipient from Mercier, Quebec

About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the very best in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). If you want to find out more about us, visit about.rogers.com.

Media Contacts
Rogers Communications, media@rci.rogers.com, 1-844-226-1338