Ben Canty yesterday announced that he has accepted an appointment as National Communications Director of the Stonewall Sports National Board and his resignation as Stonewall sports Norfolk league Commissioner.
In a Facebook post he said, “It is with bittersweet enthusiasm that I am also announcing my departure and vacancy from my Commissionership here in our Norfolk chapter, effective November 1st, 2020.”
Stonewall Sports is an LGBTQ & Ally community-based, non-profit sports organization founded in 2010 that strives to raise funds for local non-profit organizations. The effort to bring Stonewall Sports to Hampton Roads in 2018 was spearheaded by Canty. He played in a kickball league while living in Northern Virginia and participated with Stonewall Sports in Richmond last year, which inspired him to bring Stonewall Sports to Hampton Roads.
Recalling his experience, Canty said, “I looked at all of these people out there having a good time, being authentic and uninhibited – it was giant party and I didn’t want to leave.”
Since then, Stonewall Sports Norfolk has raised more than $40,000 for local non-profits, among them Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia, For Kids, Hampton Roads Pride, and Samaritan House.
Canty will continue to serve as a non-voting member on the Norfolk Chapter’s board and as the Norfolk City Representative to the National Board.
“Stonewall Sports Norfolk has been an incredible endeavor and adventure for me,” he said. “To watch as it continues to grow and remain strong, even through a global pandemic, is inspiring and overwhelmingly emotional.”
