Belonging on the Diamond

ÉSFCHS | AHSFA Jays Care ball game shows the power of inclusion

On May 26, 2026, more than 100 students from across Foothills School Division stepped onto a baseball diamond for a day that was about far more than baseball.

The game and community-building activities, established through the Jays Care Foundation, was created with a clear purpose to ensure students of all abilities could experience the joy, excitement, and sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. For many students with diverse learning needs, opportunities to fully participate in large community events can be limited. This day changed that.

At the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks, overlooking École Secondaire Foothills Composite High School | Alberta High School of Fine Arts (ÉSFCHS | AHSFA), students from École Okotoks Junior High, Dr. Morris Gibson School, Red Deer Lake School, Westmount School, and Meadow Ridge School joined students from ÉSFCHS | AHSFA not as spectators, but as athletes, teammates, and leaders.

From the ceremonial first pitch thrown by Mayor Tanya Thorn to the encouragement shared between peers on the field, the energy throughout the day was unmistakable. There was laughter, connection, and celebration in every corner of the diamond.

^{Video generously produced and provided by Pushysix Media Group}

“This event really started when our athletic director, Jeremy Davies, encouraged us to apply and gave us the opportunity to partner with his leadership students,” said Kellie McLeod. “Colleen Hunter tackled the stack of application forms and paperwork, which was a much bigger job than anyone probably realized. My contribution was a little less practical. I was the one saying, ‘What if we did this? What if we added this? What if we made it even bigger?’ To their credit, Jeremy and Colleen never told me to stop dreaming. They took those ideas, helped shape them, and figured out how we could make them happen. Somewhere along the way, those conversations evolved into our Jays event. Looking back, none of us could have created this on our own. Jeremy saw the opportunity, Colleen made sure we could apply for it, and together we built something that ended up being so much bigger than any of us imagined.”

Students sporting shirts with the student-designed logo for the May 26th Jays Care game

A true community effort

The success of the event was made possible through amazing people and strong community partnerships. Foothills School Division thanks those who stepped forward to provide support, resources, and time, including Pushysix, the Okotoks Dawgs, Joey Tetarenko, 100.3 The Eagle, Mayor Thorn and the Town of Okotoks, Terrific FacePainting, and FSD staff.

In addition to the many partnerships, the Jays Care Foundation grant played an essential role in bringing the event to life. Funding supported transportation, staffing, equipment, and supplies, ensuring students from multiple schools could participate fully. The grant also helped extend the impact beyond a single day. Students at ÉSFCHS | AHSFA contributed through a logo design contest, creating a sense of ownership and pride in the event. What began as a baseball game became a division-wide effort that engaged students, staff, families, and community partners.

Relationships that last beyond the field

While the event itself was a highlight, the relationships formed along the way have proven to be just as meaningful.

Earlier in the school year, ÉSFCHS | AHSFA leadership students began connecting with the team and students in the school’s Summit program during weekly gym classes. Those connections continued to grow through shared experiences such as the Unified Track Meet and classroom visits, eventually leading to collaboration in planning and running the Jays Care event.ÉSFCHS | AHSFA  Leadership & Summit students

By game day, those students were not simply volunteers — they were mentors, teammates, and champions for inclusion.

The impact has continued even after the final inning. Students and staff have since expressed interest in participating next year, while schools and departments across the Division have begun exploring ways to be involved. For many families, the day carried a deeper meaning. Parents noted that children with extra-needs are often on the sidelines at community events. At the Jays Care game, students of all abilities were the focus — celebrated as athletes and participants.

The day also helped to shift perspectives across the broader community. Staff, peers, and partners saw firsthand the capabilities, determination, and strengths of students when given meaningful opportunities. 

“This event is about creating opportunity,” Vice Principal Gina Kilbreath said. “It is about giving all students the chance to shine, build relationships, grow in confidence, and feel like they truly belong in our schools. What we’ve seen is that students are more willing to join in, form connections, and see themselves as part of the school community.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s Jays Cares game, with a vision to grow participation across all Foothills School Division schools. There is also intent to expand this style of inclusive engagement throughout the year, offering additional opportunities for students to build skills, relationships, and confidence leading up to the annual event. As the event grows, continued community partnerships and sponsorships will play a key role in sustaining and enhancing the experience for students.

For those involved, the impact of the Jays Care game is clear: The baseball game was simply the vehicle, the big win was belonging.