COMPETITION. COMMUNITY. LEGACY. Be a part of it!
TL/DR Summary: What our league values are and how we persue them through our actions
Since 1978, WESA has been rooted in the principles of Pride community building and sportsmanship. Our league is committed to fostering a fun yet competitive environment while ensuring a welcoming space for all members of our community. WESA's goals are:
- a. Provide and protect the opportunity for individuals who support the bonds of lesbian and gay fellowship to play amateur slo-pitch softball in an atmosphere of friendly competition, free of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, race, creed, gender and ability;
- b. Foster, develop, promote and regulate the play of amateur slo-pitch softball and provide the proper safe-guards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship; and
- c. Undertake fundraising activities and other social events for the betterment of the lesbian and gay community.
(source: WESA Constitution)
Re-Discovering Our Values
WESA has always been more than a softball league — it’s a community where competition, connection, and pride come together. In 2023, we took a step back to ask: What do we stand for today, and how do we carry our legacy forward?
Through open conversations with members, team managers, coaches, and leaders, three clear pillars emerged — values that shape every game, every season, and every generation of players to come:
SPORTSMANSHIP
We believe in fair and friendly play. Competition is stronger — and more fun — when it’s built on respect.
INCLUSION
We welcome every player, whether you’re new to the game or chasing new challenges. Our league thrives when everyone has a place on the field.
PRIDE
We play for today and for tomorrow. By building strong, sustainable connections with members, sponsors, charities, and our community, we secure a lasting legacy..png)
Our Path Forward
From our early beginnings in 1978 to today, WESA has continually evolved to create a fair, safe, and sustainable league. Recent milestones reflect that commitment:
2023: Introduced skill-building programs for rookies, revamped player assessments, and launched leadership retreats for coaches.
2024: Strengthened our Code of Conduct, expanded inclusivity policies, and built new opportunities for all members to contribute.
2025: Rolled out a three-division structure, guided by skills assessments, to ensure players can compete at the level that best suits their game.
This journey is about more than softball. It’s about shaping a league that reflects our values and builds a legacy for generations of players and fans.
SPORTSMANSHIP. INCLUSION. PRIDE.
We are WESA!
Milestones That Matter
Every step we’ve taken has built a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive league — and the story continues.Since our founding in 1978, WESA has been a home for competitive slo-pitch softball in Vancouver’s Pride community. Over the years, we’ve continued to evolve — always guided by our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and legacy.
1978
- History was made when gay and lesbian sports minded, fun-loving people began gathering on a Sunday afternoons at Lord Roberts School playground, later receiving a donation for equipment from the Dogwood Monarchist Society, itself formed only two years prior.
1987
- The WESA Pageant began in the heart of Vancouver's Gay Village at Celebrities Nightclub, and a legacy was born, bringing together our members, sponsors, and charities.
2004
- Re-introduced a two division structure to the league making it more inclusive to both recreational and competitive play
- Introduced minimum playing time in Division D to ensure fair participation.
2008
- WESA joined International Pride Softball (NAGAAA) and began utilizing its player ratings system, promoting greater fairness across divisions and providing members with more chances to engage with Pride communities across North America including the Gay Softball World Series annually.
2014
- Expanded minimum playing time league-wide, ensuring every member had a chance to contribute on the field.
2023
- Transitioned from D & E to Tier 1 & 2 play, reflecting a Vancouver-centric approach.
- Launched skill-building programs, mentorship, and clinics for new players.
- Moved player assessments to a league committee for more fairness and accuracy.
- Began WESA Coach Squad retreats to foster leadership and community.
2024
- Guaranteed every player a spot in the batting lineup all game.
- Introduced a League Code of Conduct and Member & Manager/Coach Agreements to promote understanding of expectations.
- Enhanced skills assessment transparency.
- Expanded leadership clinics for team managers and coaches.
2025
- Introduced a three-division structure, aligning players by skill for fairer, friendlier play.
- Adopted the Player Inclusion Policy (PIP), ensuring accessibility and removing barriers for members with disabilities.
PIP: Player Inclusion Policy
WESA supports the principles of the Accessibility Canada Act (ACA) and its goal of achieving a barrier-free Canada by 2040. In 2024, the league introduced a pilot ACA Accommodation Policy to support members with long-term disabilities who wish to continue playing softball. A dedicated committee conducted research on accessibility standards and explored strategies to remove barriers for players. Based on their findings, WESA has adopted these recommendations into the Player Inclusion Policy (PIP). >>More.
COMMUNITY: GIVING BACK
Since 1987, the WESA Pageant has raised over $171,000 for our community and has become a jewel at the heart of WESA. We encourage members to get involved in the Pageant and for the Pride community to support the event. >> More.
Reference:
WESA 2024 Update of the Vision for Sustainability and Sportsmanship
Click here to see a PDF of the report WESA 2023 Vision for Sustainability
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