The 2016 U14 Canadian Girls Jamboree Championship will begin next week in Winnipeg.

The Smitty's Terminators will be hosting the National event at John Blumberg Softball Complex.

"It's huge for any organization that gets this opportunity to bring in a number of teams from across Canada," explained Championship organizer, Mike Ryan.  "It's an exciting event for the kids because it's there first time going to the Nationals and with softball being voted in to be an Olympic sport, some of these kids could be possibly be on our National road in the future. It's very exciting to have this event in Winnipeg."

19 teams will gather in the Manitoba capital including clubs all the way from British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

Local teams from Carman, Steinbach, Brandon, Winnipeg and the Interlake will also be competing in the championship.

Ryan shared why John Blumberg was the ideal facility to host the competition.

"John Blumberg is really upgrading it's facility for Manitoba Summer Games.  It is considered one of the top softball facilities in Canada right now and it has been for years.  Our organization is out of Winnipeg and in Winnipeg it really is the place to play."

The Championship Co-Chair noted the level of play will be very high with the best teams coming in from each province to compete.

Meanwhile, he said it's highly important for local teams to be exposed to this level of competition.

"It's highly important.  Our city's organization has had teams compete at the Nationals for a number of years and it's not an easy process," shared Ryan.  "First of all getting out of your province but going to it and competing against some of these other provinces like B.C. It also shows them what the level is and where they have to be to compete and hopefully some day get on the National team.  We have had players make it to our Junior National team in the past few years and we want to continue to help our players develop and get better at this sport."

Ryan added hosting Nationals will also create a learning opportunity for the kids.

"Going to and hosting National are two different situations since they are competing at home in front of family and friends.  When you travel to the Nationals it's really only your immediate family who gets to see you play so there is added pressure for the kids too."

The 2016 U14 Canadian Girls Jamboree Championship will take place August 17th to 21st.

Cost is $40 for the week, $10 for the day or $5 for an evening.