TWC Summer Slam 2026: Celebrating 10 Years of Recovery, Connection, and New Beginnings

For 10 years, the TWC Summer Slam Recovery Slo-Pitch Tournament has been more than a softball event — it has been a place where people in recovery, newcomers, families, and supporters come together to experience something truly powerful: connection, belonging, and the reminder that recovery is a life worth celebrating.



Held at Riverway Sports Complex in Burnaby, the 2026 TWC Summer Slam marked a decade of community, partnership, and recovery. What began in 2016 through a partnership between Together We Can and Revolution Recovery has grown into one of British Columbia’s largest recovery-focused slo-pitch tournaments, bringing together hundreds of participants each year.


This milestone year welcomed 28 teams and more than 500 participants for a weekend filled with teamwork, laughter, encouragement, and connection. While the competition brought everyone onto the field, the heart of Summer Slam has always been the people — especially those who are new to recovery and experiencing their first tasteof what a supportive recovery community can offer.


This year’s tournament placed a special focus on newcomers, creating one of the largest newcomer-focused recovery sporting events in BC. Several treatment centres joined together including Revolution Recovery, Northstar Recovery, All My Relations, Back on Track, The Salvation Army, InnerVisions, Into Action and Charlford.


For many newcomers, walking into a recovery event for the first time can feel intimidating. The recovery softball community creates a space where people are welcomed, encouraged, and reminded that they are not alone. It gives newcomers the opportunity to meet others who understand their journey, build friendships, and see that recovery is not justabout leaving something behind — it is about building a new life filled with purpose, joy, and connection.



Thanks to the generosity of HeartQuest Addiction Wellness Cente and MVP Sports we were able to provide six newcomer packages to participants who were recognized throughout the tournament. Each package included a new ball bag and gift card, offering encouragement and support as these individuals continue building their recovery journey.



One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came through the unexpected kindness shared by our community. What began as a large donation of cakes from our friends at Back on Track transformed into “resentment cakes” — a fun and heartfelt way to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made an impact in the lives of others.



A powerful serenity circle was also featured during the weekend, creating space for reflection, gratitude, and connection. It was a reminder that recovery is built not only through action and support but also through moments of honesty, community, and shared experience.

While softball was at the centre of the event, the true impact of Summer Slam reached far beyond the field. The tournament created a welcoming environment where people in recovery, newcomers, families, volunteers, and community members could come together and celebrate what is possible.

Throughout the weekend, teams cheered each other on, friendships were formed, andnewcomers were able to witness firsthand that recovery can include laughter, teamwork, celebration, and belonging.


Events like Summer Slam are only possible because of the incredible community that continues to show up. We are deeply grateful to our donors, sponsors, community partners, umpires, volunteers, alumni, staff, and everyone who helped make this 10-year celebration such a success. Your support allows us to continue creating spaces where recovery, connection, and hope can thrive.

As we celebrate a decade of TWC Summer Slam, we are reminded of the power of coming together. Through teamwork, compassion, and community, we continue to showthat recovery is possible — and that together, we can create lasting change.


Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Summer Slam story over the past 10 years. We cannot wait to see what the next decade brings!


A special thank you to Tim Saylor and Mike Wunderlich for capturing the spirit of the weekend through their incredible photography and helping preserve these memories for our community.


Watch the Summer Slam Video recap video on our Youtube channel here:

https://youtu.be/_TeR8dM_U-c?si=92T8vCeRVoe7R7E8


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