Our History

1978

The West-End Slo-Pitch Association,W.E.S.A., was formerly called the West-End Softball Association and was started when gay and lesbian sports minded, fun-loving people gathered on Sunday afternoons at Lord Roberts School playground to engage in some recreational softball.

Many folks who came out in those days were members of the Dogwood Monarchist Society. As more interested people joined in, a loosely structured organization of teams took shape.

1979

An executive(Commission) was formed and six gay-business sponsored teams took to the field. W.E.S.A.'s "original six" teams were The Castle, Neighbours, The Gandydancer, The Playpen Central, The Luv Affair and The Shaggy Horse.

1998

W.E.S.A. celebrated it's 20th anniversary season making it the oldest gay and lesbian sports organization in Vancouver. W.E.S.A. has always welcomed Friends of lesbians and gays to join with us in playing slo-pitch softball or joining in our many social activities throughout the season. 

As well, W.E.S.A.expand from 10 to 12 teams with a membership in excess of 155, with a wide cross-section of team sponsors.

2004

WESA created two divisions, creating a C Division and D Division.

The C Division was designed for players with a more competitive style of game play and the D Division for players looking for a more recreational feel to the game.

Each division had 5 teams in 2004.

2008

WESA joins The North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance. NAGAAA organizes the Gay Softball World Series each year and brings together over 40 participating cities.

2011

WESA grows to a record 15 teams! D Division has 10 teams, C Division has 5 teams.