Ever wanted to be a play-by-play Announcer?

Rod Mawhood
· 1 min read

Quick, if you’re a sports fan, name your favorite play-by-play announcer.

Maybe it’s Joe Bowen or the late Rick Jeanneret in hockey, or Dan Schulman in baseball.

Well now it’s your chance to make your best call – announcing Slo-Pitch.

This August, Niagara will welcome some of Canada’s top slo-pitch athletes as the 2026 Slo-Pitch National Championships come to our region—and Sport Niagara in conjunction with Slo-Pitch Ontario is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring the action to life.

Yes, both organizations are seeking volunteer Play-by-Play Announcers and Colour Commentators to support event broadcasts throughout the championship week.

Whether you’re an aspiring broadcaster, a passionate sports fan, a communications student, or simply someone who loves telling the story of sport, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a national sporting event.

As a Volunteer Broadcaster, You Will:

• Provide play-by-play commentary during championship games
• Assist with athlete and team storytelling
• Help create an engaging experience for spectators and online viewers
• Gain valuable experience in sports broadcasting and event production
• Be part of Team Niagara’s efforts to showcase our community on a national stage

No Professional Experience Required

We’re looking for energetic individuals who:

• Have a passion for sport and storytelling
• Are comfortable speaking in front of an audience or on a broadcast
• Can work collaboratively with event staff and fellow volunteers
• Want to contribute to one of Canada’s premier amateur sporting events

Training, support, and event orientation will be provided.

Help Us Tell the Story of the Championship

Thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans will be tuning in throughout the event. Your voice could help capture the excitement, celebrate the athletes, and create lasting memories from the 2026 Slo-Pitch National Championships.

Interested in joining the broadcast team?

Here’s a list of events coming to Niagara this summer:

● 2026 Men’s & Women’s Canadian Slo-Pitch Championships

August 8–15, 2026

● 2026 Pacific Rim Championships

August 26–28, 2026

● 2026 Ontario Play Slo-Pitch Provincial Championships

August 28–30, 2026
September 11–13, 2026
September 18–20, 2026

Contact & Event Details:

Tom Buchan
Chief Executive Officer
Slo-Pitch Ontario Association
E-Mail: tbuchan@slopitch.org

You never know where this could lead.

Play ball!

Rod Mawhood
Columnist

Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums - Radio, Print and TV - for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he's worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.

Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.

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