Challenger
ChallengerAges 4-18+Registration Now Open!
Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program specifically designed to empower children, youth and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. While ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to play in a fun and safe environment the program is designed to teach its athletes the core life skills inherent to baseball, including: teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support and courage. Challenger Baseball helps players learn to become more independent, build confidence and self-esteem, improve their communication skills, and set and achieve their own personal goals.
Baseball games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept. Able-bodied “Buddies” are assigned (one-on-one, where possible) to each participant. These Buddies assist the Challenger players with their involvement in the game. Buddies assist by offering a better experience for the participants in Challenger Baseball. From pushing wheelchairs around the base path, assisting players in how to hold the bat and swing, to providing protection for the Challenger player from a batted ball, are just a few of the ways the Buddies help to make the experience great.
This program is open to all players (male and female) ages 4 and up with special needs.
Challenger Season Details:
- Games: Wednesdays from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Players are asked to arrive 5-10 minutes early
- Season: 8 weeks - May through June
- Location: Mill Woods Sports Park (2730 - 66 St NW)
- Large fenced diamond with shale infield, sheltered dugouts and bleacher seating
- West of main parking lot
- Close to park facilities
- Picture Day: Saturday, May 11, 2024
- Year-end Celebration: TBD
- Registration fees: $50 per Challenger player
Includes:
- Challenger hat and shirt to keep
- Team / Individual picture for each player
- Field time
- Team equipment
- Administration and association fees
- A ton of fun!
Register your Challenger Player
Be a Buddy
Challenger “Buddies” are crucial to the success of the Challenger program. Able-bodied Buddies assist the Challenger players with their involvement in the game a help create better experiences and amazing memories.
Buddies should be 11 years of age or older and able to commit to attending most, if not all, of the 8 weeks of games. Having buddies consistently attend the scheduled events will create the team environment, ensure players have a regular buddy and provide a great experience for everyone involved. Buddies will be appropriately matched with a Challenger player and provided additional support to ensure success.
All buddies and Challenger program volunteers 18 years of age and older are required to have a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) completed within 6 months from the time of the start of the season. Access to complete the VSS is at no cost to the buddy will be provided by EABA once a buddy has registered.
Reasons to be a Challenger Buddy:
- Provide an amazing experience for others
- Fun and engaging
- Complete school leadership requirements
- Give back to the community
- Build incredible personal experience
- Free to register
All buddies will receive a hat and shirt to keep, along with a team photo.
Register here to be a Challenger Buddy
Parent involvement and volunteering
Parents are encouraged to be spectators at the Challenger games and enjoy their time watching and cheering on their player engaging with others. However, if a parent, guardian, family member or friend would like to be more involved and assist with the program, please let us know. The support is greatly appreciated.
Please contact challenger@eabaseball.ca to find out more.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
