OTTAWA-From February 16-23, Baseball Canada will conduct a Girls Development Camp in Havana, Cuba for players aged 14-18.
This Development Camp is in its fifth year of operation under the direction of Women’s National Team Manager André Lachance.
“This trip is an invaluable experience for players looking to take their game to the next level,” he said. “Players will be challenged each day on the field as they compete in an environment that is foreign to them.
“Another important component to the trip is a cultural and learning exchange where players will be exposed to Cuban culture and history with off-field activities scheduled each day.”
Participants will meet, train and compete with Cuban student athletes and coaches at Cuban sports facilities and venues arranged by the Cuban Ministries of Sport and Education. Participants will also have the opportunity to train with members of the Cuban National Team and receive instruction from former Cuban professional players in addition to Lachance and other members of Baseball Canada’s Women’s National Team coaching staff.
Current National Team members Vanessa Riopel and Bradi Wall will serve as members of the coaching staff.
The trip also serves as an Identification Camp for future editions of the Women’s National Team. To date, 14 athletes who have attended the Girls Development Camp in Cuba in previous years have gone on to participate with the Women’s National Team program.
Priority will be given to players who participated at the 2013 Bantam Girls Nationals in Nova Scotia. Parents are also welcome to travel with the group and will get a $100 reduction.
*Please note the following important information*
Program Price Includes: Round trip airfare from Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal to Cuba, 7 nights’ accommodation, double occupancy in air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathroom, breakfast and dinner daily, coordination and entrance/ participation fees for visits - games - training – excursions, translator/guide services, local facilitators and officials, ground transportation via modern air-conditioned bus as per itinerary, Cuban visa, Canadian national team coaching, national team uniform and hat for camp.
Not Included: Some lunches, transportation to Toronto/Vancouver/Montreal, optional activities, tips, $25 CUC Cuban airport tax payable locally.
PRICE: The following is a price breakdown from each of the three departing cities: Montréal $1,625.00; Toronto $1,695.00; Vancouver $2,075.00. Canadian transportation taxes per person include the services described in the itinerary with departure from Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal. There is also a Cuban airport tax of $25 CUC (equivalent to $30 CAD approximately) per person to be paid locally in cash. Accommodation is air conditioned with satellite TV and en-suite bathroom based on 2 per room.
*Subject to change, based on last year’s cost.
SUNDRIES: Participants should budget for sundry expenses at approximately $200 CAD per person for the week to cover lunches, beverages, tips and personal expenses. Please note that a valid passport is required for entry into Cuba.
PAYMENT DATES: To allow us to schedule the visit and begin to make the necessary arrangements with the various Cuban institutions involved, and reserve the air plane seats and hotel rooms, a deposit of $400 per person is required by September 30th. Any deposits received after September 30th may be subject to a change in price. The final payment will be due on December 6th, 2013.
If you have any questions please André Lachance a call at 613-748-5606 or send an email to alachance@baseball.ca.
