PTBO Women’s Initiative Network Inc Formed to Support Local Athletes Competing in Ireland

A new community-driven initiative, the PTBO Women’s Initiative Network Inc (PTBO WIN), has formed to support local athletes who have been selected to compete on the Canada 2 team at the 2026 Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games in Waterford, Ireland this July.

photo courtesy of PTBO WIN.

Local athletes Zoe King, Ciara Gunn, Michelle Schevers and Tash Ennis, all members of the Peterborough GAA club, have been selected to compete on the Canada 2 team.

PTBO WIN originally came together to rally behind these athletes in their fundraising efforts. While the immediate focus is helping send the women to compete on the international stage, the network says they have a long-term vision of advocating for and supporting local women in pursuing their goals, whether in sport, business or beyond.

“What started as a couple of women meeting at a networking breakfast quickly turned into a dedicated group of women committed to supporting other women in the community,” said PTBO WIN President, Kelly Carbajal. “We recognized very quickly that there is a real need in the area for women pursuing their goals and dreams. Our hope is that the Ptbo Women’s Initiative Network can make a meaningful difference for these incredible athletes and for so many more women in the future.”

PTBO WIN aims to raise $20,000 to support these athletes and their journey to the World Games, including training, travel, and ongoing skill development by focusing on three main initiatives:

PTBO WIN Launch Food Festival

Date: June 6

Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Peterborough Square Outdoor Patio

This event will feature local food vendors, live music, shopping and an opportunity to meet the athletes and PTBO WIN members.

PTBO WIN 100 x 100 Campaign

Running now through July 1, PTBO WIN is calling on 100 community members or businesses to support local athletes by contributing $100 each, helping to directly fund their World Games journey.

PTBO WIN World Games Send-Off

Date: June 28

Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 100 Acre Brewing Co.

Admission: $20 entry including a free drink or $40 for families (2 adults and 2 kids)

This send-off celebration will feature food and drink sales, a silent auction, live music and a Gaelic football demonstration with opportunities to engage and play alongside local athletes. Attendees can expect interactive challenges, prizes and a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere to help send these athletes off in style.

In addition to the PTBO WIN events, there are several other ways to support the local Team Canada 2 athletes:

Online Raffle

$20 tickets available now until May 1.

Prizes include a $1,000 flight voucher, a signed Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and more. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the athletes directly or at local events.

Square Dance

Date: April 10

Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: The Social

$15 admission at the door, an evening of live music, dancing, raffle prizes and community connection.

Arriba Indoor Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament

Date: May 2

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: TASS School

Registration: https://www.arribavolleyball.com/coed-tourney-registration-may-2/

VIVA Beach Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament

Date: June 6

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Whitby Free Methodist Church

Registration: https://www.vivavolleyball.ca/tournaments

“This is such an amazing initiative,” says King. “The community is really coming together to support us. The cost for the whole team is upwards of $60,000 so I hope we can build strong excitement and attendance at these events.”

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