Some of the photos were taken during the evening games, so they may be a bit dark, but nonetheless, you should be able to make out some of the "Girls of Summer" who are working hard to make the Valley East Ladies' Slo Pitch League a place where women can enjoy competition and comraderie twice a week during the summer playing a sport that they love and enjoy.

Once again, we thank Monique, and congratulate all players and sponsors for helping to create a strong league for ladies in the Valley.

The Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch League features a total of ten (10) teams for the 2006 season, thanks in large part to the efforts of the young ladies on the Executive who are committed to seeing the League continue and thrive into the future.   

Three of the Executive members met at the beginning of June with Robert Kirwan, Publisher of Valley East Today to discuss plans for marketing and promotion of the league. Shown with Robert are, from the left, Robin Trottier, Secretary; Mandy Hnatiuk, President, and Natalie Raymond-Marois, Vice-President. Two other executive members were unable to attend the meeting. They are Nicki Trottier, Treasurer, and Paula Martel-Lavallee, Statistician.

A year ago the Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch League was facing a serious enrolment problem. With only six teams registered just prior to the start of the season, the women who enjoyed playing this sport were worried. The season began with seven teams, but it was obvious that changes had to be made. 

One of the biggest changes was the decision to allow teams and players from other municipalities to join the league, and it appears as if that made all the difference in the world. Two teams have joined with players who live in Rayside Balfour or Sudbury. Another positive change was the decision to allow girls who are 16 years of age and over. There are only a few younger players in the league, but at least they now have a place where they can enjoy this sport while in their late teens.

As a result, there are over 200 women of all ages playing slo-pitch two nights a week during the 15 week season. They play at Centennial Ball Park every Monday and Wednesday evening, with games at 6:30, 8:00, and 9:30 p.m. Valley East Today is pleased to introduce the First Annual Valley East Ladies' Slo-Pitch Photo Album with this issue. Below is one of the teams, sponsored by Rocky's and Beautiful Balance. We will be posting the rest of the team pictures as they are provided to us by long-time Slo-Pitch member, Monique Grenon.