February 4, 2013
Just over six weeks until the Softball Canada umpiring fraternity meets in Hamilton, Ontario. Blue Convention: Good to Great is almost ready to go. It’s gonna be great!!!!!!
The Softball Ontario Blue Convention committee has organized a great convention, complete with professional comedian and professional Level 5 Slo-pitch Karoke DJ, Jeff Klooster on Friday March 29 in our Hospitality Room. We are very appreciative of the support Softball Ontario has given us. The Friday night Hospitality room will be alive with lots of fun and great food. It will be the perfect atmosphere to celebrate our love of umpiring and fellow umpires. The hotel has great amenities, including a great fitness area, an outstanding recently renovated restaurant and lounge (with discounted prices for Blue Convention participants), and discounted rooms.
The Officials Development Committee of Softball Canada has put together a great array of seminars, presenters, and speakers to take your umpiring skills from good to great, certainly to the next level. Brian Van Os will be announcing our guest speaker for the banquet so keep your eye on this site and look for the announcement in the days to come. Dave Yeast, the NCAA National Co-ordinator of Umpires will be present and our keynote, kick-off speaker. Have look at the following blog to get a sense of what a great guy Dave is and his immense knowledge of umpiring and ability to connect with listeners: http://blogs.eastonbaseball.com/collegebaseballtoday/2009/04/08/qa-with-umpire . We are privileged to have him speak to us. Donna at the Softball Canada office is organizing the seminar details and registration details. Keep those registrations coming. The Softball Canada Blue Convention is a marquee event in any umpires development. Not only will you learn a lot, you’ll be treated royally!
Please encourage umpires and partners from your zone to attend the convention. Those who have attended past conventions know how wonderful and meaningful the convention is. Many share fond memories, eagerly waiting for and anticipating the next Blue Convention (where might that be?) Tim Whitelaw will take care of all your travel needs and ensure you get to and from your destination promptly, of course with some great welcoming stories along the way! His group of volunteers are ready to go. Deb Mills has organized a great companion package. Already over 20 partners have registered! Glen Whitwell and Dave Mills are working to ensure you receive great local shopping and eating deals within the vicinity of the hotel. Hamilton is a great city, full of energy, passion, and friendly people. Mark Trepanier, our Facilities Co-ordinator from wonderful Ottawa, is accommodating all the needs for our presenters and speakers and has all our presentation rooms well organized for your comfort and participation. Finally, Steve Doyle (the creator of our convention logo), ensures that you (we) are getting the best financial deals possible by overseeing our spending and accounting.
Sal Gara, an Ontario FP Level 5 and Co-ordinator of Softball Ontario’s Junior Development program has organized a great Junior Development Workshop. One look at the line-up of guest instructors Sal has acquired, will want you participating, despite your age and umpiring knowledge. Encourage our youth!!!! Many local organizations and agencies will financially support them. We know of one local softball association that is sending 12 of their youth umpires to the BC 2013 Junior Development Workshop!
Arrange your travel and consider taking advantage of the Westjet travel discount (To receive the 10% discount call Westjet at 1-888-493-7853 and quote the following code: CC7669. If you are a group of 10 traveling on Westjet contact them at the above number for a group rate).
Blue Convention 2013: Good to Great will be a remarkable experience for all.
On behalf our Softball Ontario organizing committee please feel free to contact anyone of us and we will ensure your query is addressed. There is no need to worry about any aspect of the attending the convention. We are only an email away and ready to serve you. Please contact any one of us at:
Tim Whitelaw: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Glen Whitwell: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dave Mills: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve Doyle: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Deb Mills: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mark Trepanier: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Len Gorgei: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mitch Zuk: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Watch for further updates….Mitch