An adaptive baseball program, run in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, where kids living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities find a place on a team where they belong. The program teaches athletes the core life skills inherent to baseball, including teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support and courage. Challenger Baseball ensures athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to play in a fun and safe environment where they learn to become more independent, build confidence, and create lasting friendships with their peers.
Our simple philosophy can’t be beat: play, just for fun!
The game is played in a safe, recreational environment, where no score is kept. Able-bodied Buddies are assigned, one on one, to each participant. These Buddies are mentors to the Challenger players, and assist with their involvement in the game. Pushing wheelchairs around the basepath, assisting players in how to hold the bat and swing, or providing protection for the Challenger player from a batted ball, are just a few of the ways the Buddies offer a better experience for the participants in Challenger Baseball.
Each participant is treated like every other player in the conventional baseball program. All players are on a team, and are outfitted in uniforms and use the same equipment. A team picture is a must for Challenger Baseball, as it is in the other divisions– along with a team party to finish the season, a team trophy– they are all part of the Challenger Baseball experience for every child that plays.
Last but not least, the smiles are plentiful and free: the joy on the face of each participant in Challenger Baseball, makes you realize just how much fun they are having. No more all-star pressures, no more playing time issues. Everyone just has fun– kind of what baseball is supposed to be all about.
If you would like to learn more about BC Challenger Baseball, or how to start Challenger Baseball in your community, check out our website: bcchallenger.com or contact the Provincial Challenger Baseball Coordinator, Tim Hall (executive@bcchallenger.com)