Qualico School Spirit Baseball Game Sets Attendance Record

Edmonton, AB – Qualico Edmonton hit a homerun with its first ever title sponsorship game in partnership with the West Coast Baseball league’s Edmonton Riverhawks, setting a single-game league attendance record.

The Edmonton Riverhawks Qualico School Spirit game on June 12, 2024, drew an impressive 7,850 fans to RE/MAX field in support of the Riverhawks Inquiry School – a youth education program that helps kids learn through immersive real-life experiences at the ballpark.

Shane Erickson, Regional Vice-President, Northern Alberta, said the decision to step up to the plate as the School Spirit game’s title sponsor was a no-doubter.

“We assessed this opportunity against our pillars of community philanthropy, and the event fit well with our mandate to support charities that encourage healthy lives and lifelong education. Having Qualico recognized as the title sponsor informs the greater community that our commitment to help build better cities is sincere,” said Shane.

As part of the pre-game festivities, Ryan Bosch, Senior Legal Counsel, Qualico Edmonton, had the honour of throwing the ceremonial first pitch on a wet and windy day in Alberta’s capital.

“It was a great experience and I was honoured to represent Qualico and reinforce the values that embody the company at all levels,” said Ryan.

He added that having some of his son’s baseball teammates in attendance made the pitch extra challenging.

“They’ve pointed out some flaws in my pitching technique and have been offering me pointers in case the opportunity arises again.”

The game was held at 11 a.m. to accommodate busloads of excited primary school students attending the event. In-game entertainment featured mascots from all of Edmonton’s pro sports teams, and live science experiments with Alberta Science Teacher of the year, Michael Ng. At the end of the game, the final score was 11-4 for the Edmonton Riverhawks.

Managing Director, Edmonton Riverhawks, Dr. Randy Gregg said Qualico’s financial support has been instrumental to the growth of the Riverhawks’ Inquiry School.

“Qualico has been a valued Edmonton Riverhawks partner since the team’s inception in 2022. We are very proud of the contribution our partnership has given to the Edmonton community, with the establishment of the Riverhawks Inquiry School,” said Randy.

“The Riverhawks Inquiry School gives young students who may not have experienced the sport of baseball a chance to see firsthand our majestic RE/MAX Field, burn off some energy by running the bases, and participate in exciting educational opportunities inside the stadium.”

Each year, Qualico contributes to a long list of philanthropic causes as a way to give back and help build better cities. In 2024, Qualico’s Edmonton office is supporting causes such as the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, West Edmonton Kidney Care facility, Food for Thought program, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundations’ Bridge Healing program in support of people experiencing homelessness.