Annual Report 2023-2024

of the interest and impact of female athletics. Supporting women’s sports, whether you’re competing, attending games, or sponsoring a tournament, leads to even more opportunities for women and girls. And female athletes are inspiring, reminding our young patients of their own potential on the playing field and in life. Why does this matter to Shriners Children’s? Look no further than International known for compassionate care that helps children dream big. Participation in sports empowers girls and women, increasing confidence and self esteem; patients are encouraged to see “no limits” when getting back in the game after an injury or treatment for a complex medical condition. The action on the softball field at the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational did not disappoint. The 16-team invitational featured 13 teams that qualified for the NCAA Softball Championship, including five squads that advanced to the NCAA Women’s College World Series: Florida State – the 2023 runner- up, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Tennessee and Washington. Patient Ambassador Gianna: It’s her dream to be the NFL commissioner. Look out Roger Goodell! Shriners Children’s is

Imperial Potentate Ed Stolze opened the event sharing first-pitch honors with Shriners Children’s Florida patient ambassador Zavi, who started playing T-ball when he was 4. Two years ago, Zavi made history as the first player with a prosthesis to compete with his teammates in Cooperstown, New York, and he aspires to be the first MLB player with a prosthetic. Florida patient ambassadors Momo and Christian also had the honor of joining Imperial officers to throw out first pitches in subsequent games. This exciting tournament was nationally televised across ESPN platforms, putting the spotlight on the Shriners Children’s healthcare system.

Shriners Children's College Showdown

It was an exciting weekend for baseball fans when the college baseball season kicked off at Globe Life Field, home of the World Series champions Texas Rangers, with the Shriners Children’s College Showdown. The event has become one of the best-attended college baseball tournaments in the nation since it was introduced in 2021. The University of Tennessee captured the championship in the six-team, nine-game event.

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