Amidst World Cup, Olympians rally to support Casey House’s HIV care
June 11, 2026
Amidst World Cup, Olympians rally to support Casey House’s HIV care
Set Smash Rally, a volleyball fundraising tournament in support of people living with and at risk of HIV
Toronto, ON – June 10, 2026 – Ten former Canadian Olympians and elite athletes will step on the court Saturday, June 13 as part of the inaugural Set Smash Rally in support of Casey House’s HIV health care.
This brand-new local event is a high-energy, one-day indoor volleyball tournament at Kerr Hall Gymnasium (Toronto Metropolitan University), where corporate teams celebrate their fundraising achievements by competing in short, action-packed games of volleyball.
Each corporate sponsored team has a captain and six or more additional players. Each team is linked with an Olympian or elite athlete to help coach them to the win. Morning and afternoon games are broken up with a hearty lunch and an engaging courtside chat by Olympic champions Mark Tewksbury and the honourable Marnie McBean in conversation with Casey House chief medical officer Ed Kucharski.
Mark Tewksbury says, “I’m thrilled to be participating in the inaugural Set Smash Rally for Casey House as co-honorary chair with my fellow Olympian, the Honourable Marnie McBean. Casey House provides care and support for almost 1,000 clients every year, people in need of their stigma-free, compassionate approach. This tournament is an opportunity to celebrate fundraising through athletic play which, coming from sport, I love!”
When someone participates in Set Smash Rally, they’re not just staying active – they’re supporting life-changing health care at Casey House. In advance of game day Saturday, June 13, each player fundraises towards a team total. Funds raised through Set Smash Rally fuel the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient programs that meet people where they are in their individual health journey with dignity, compassion and respect. Gameplay participation helps ensure people living with and at risk of HIV receive the specialized care they deserve.
Through sport, Set Smash Rally aims to raise vital funds, celebrate community, and smash HIV stigma – while building a new tradition that champions health, dignity, and team spirit.
WHAT: Casey House’s Set Smash Rally volleyball tournament
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2026
WHERE: Kerr Hall gym, TMU, 379 Victoria St.
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
INFO: SetSmashRally.ca
Honorary co-chairs: Olympians Mark Tewskbury and the Honourable Marnie McBean
Athlete coaches: Heather Bansley, Daniel Dearing, Crystal Emmanuel, John Epping, Nikkita Holder, Monique Kavelaars, Kristina May (Valjas)
Media Contacts
Lisa McDonald
Director, Communications & Public Policy lmcdonald@caseyhouse.ca | 416-962-4040 ext. 4006 | 647-224-4415
About Casey House: Casey House is unlike any other hospital. They are a specialty hospital in Toronto providing ground-breaking care to people living with and at risk of HIV. Together with their clients, staff, peers and volunteers, they strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe. The hospital offers a growing mix of inpatient, outpatient and community-based services that meet clients where they are in their individual journeys of health and wellness. Building on a legacy of advocacy and social justice, they actively dismantle barriers to care and safe living. Casey House provides a community and sense of belonging that connects people to care. The humanity of each client is at the heart of everything they do. Caseyhouse.ca
June 11, 2026
Amidst World Cup, Olympians rally to support Casey House’s HIV care
Set Smash Rally, a volleyball fundraising tournament in support of people living with and at risk of HIV
Toronto, ON – June 10, 2026 – Ten former Canadian Olympians and elite athletes will step on the court Saturday, June 13 as part of the inaugural Set Smash Rally in support of Casey House’s HIV health care.
This brand-new local event is a high-energy, one-day indoor volleyball tournament at Kerr Hall Gymnasium (Toronto Metropolitan University), where corporate teams celebrate their fundraising achievements by competing in short, action-packed games of volleyball.
Each corporate sponsored team has a captain and six or more additional players. Each team is linked with an Olympian or elite athlete to help coach them to the win. Morning and afternoon games are broken up with a hearty lunch and an engaging courtside chat by Olympic champions Mark Tewksbury and the honourable Marnie McBean in conversation with Casey House chief medical officer Ed Kucharski.
Mark Tewksbury says, “I’m thrilled to be participating in the inaugural Set Smash Rally for Casey House as co-honorary chair with my fellow Olympian, the Honourable Marnie McBean. Casey House provides care and support for almost 1,000 clients every year, people in need of their stigma-free, compassionate approach. This tournament is an opportunity to celebrate fundraising through athletic play which, coming from sport, I love!”
When someone participates in Set Smash Rally, they’re not just staying active – they’re supporting life-changing health care at Casey House. In advance of game day Saturday, June 13, each player fundraises towards a team total. Funds raised through Set Smash Rally fuel the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient programs that meet people where they are in their individual health journey with dignity, compassion and respect. Gameplay participation helps ensure people living with and at risk of HIV receive the specialized care they deserve.
Through sport, Set Smash Rally aims to raise vital funds, celebrate community, and smash HIV stigma – while building a new tradition that champions health, dignity, and team spirit.
WHAT: Casey House’s Set Smash Rally volleyball tournament
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2026
WHERE: Kerr Hall gym, TMU, 379 Victoria St.
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
INFO: SetSmashRally.ca
Honorary co-chairs: Olympians Mark Tewskbury and the Honourable Marnie McBean
Athlete coaches: Heather Bansley, Daniel Dearing, Crystal Emmanuel, John Epping, Nikkita Holder, Monique Kavelaars, Kristina May (Valjas)
Media Contacts
Lisa McDonald
Director, Communications & Public Policy
lmcdonald@caseyhouse.ca | 416-962-4040 ext. 4006 | 647-224-4415
Chanel Attema
Communications Advisor
cattema@caseyhouse.ca
About Casey House: Casey House is unlike any other hospital. They are a specialty hospital in Toronto providing ground-breaking care to people living with and at risk of HIV. Together with their clients, staff, peers and volunteers, they strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe. The hospital offers a growing mix of inpatient, outpatient and community-based services that meet clients where they are in their individual journeys of health and wellness. Building on a legacy of advocacy and social justice, they actively dismantle barriers to care and safe living. Casey House provides a community and sense of belonging that connects people to care. The humanity of each client is at the heart of everything they do. Caseyhouse.ca
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