The George Brown softball tournament is set to return July 24 at Greenwood Park.
The annual event brings together employees from across departments for a day of recreation and informal networking.
It is expected to draw eight to 10 teams made up of staff from multiple campuses and work areas. Staff can register individually or as a team through the event website.
The event is open to both full-time and part-time employees.
The tournament has run since 2013 after John Valle, staff member of campus shipping and receiving department, revived a previous gym-based version that had been discontinued.
“I think, because it’s fun, everybody gets to see each other, which during the year they really don’t, and some people work from home, some people are working at the college, so it’s become a tradition, and it’s become something where people can see each other at least once a year in person.”
The event has grown since it started after Valle re-energized a previous gym-based version that had been discontinued.
“Well, they used to have a smaller tournament with the gym, I guess, but then it stopped, and I thought I’d pick it up, so I started doing it in 2013 and I’ve done it for every year since. So, at the very beginning, we all pitched in as staff, and then in the last maybe four or five years, we have donations from alumni, and sometimes from SA, and sometimes from HR. So, right now, Susan Bowrah vice president, people and culture GBP is supporting the tournament this year,” Valle said
Games begin at 9 a.m. Teams are split between two fields, and the top two teams move on to the semi finals.
The winning team will receive a trophy and media acknowledgment.
Refreshments will be provided including a lunch service with pizza.
Staff who do not register as part of a team will be placed with groups requiring additional players.
The tournament continues to serve as a way for colleagues to connect outside of their regular work environments, particularly as hybrid work remains common across the college.
“I think it builds camaraderie for everybody to be together. Everybody has their own team. We usually have teams based on departments where people are familiar with each other,” he said.
Last year’s tournament included 10 teams of about 12 players each, with roughly 120 participants overall.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, though some shared gear will be available.
“I think that staff should be able to enjoy a day out. Get to see different people, network, you know what I mean. Because it’s always good when you know the person, especially even in your job”, he concluded.
Information on registration is available online at gbc4me.weebly.com.
