Challenger Baseball is a program that gives people with physical and cognitive disabilities an opportunity to enjoy baseball at a level structured to their capabilities. The games are played in a safe and fun environment where no score is kept.
Inspired by her son, Christine Jones started Estevan’s Challenger Baseball league to give the disabled the exact same opportunity non-challenged kids get offered every day. Jones admitted that when she first started in this program, she thought the program was for kids ages four to 19, but after recent training learned, it’s for all ages young to senior.
Challenger Baseball is sponsored by the Jays Care Foundation and the Toronto Blue Jays, but the local committee is always looking for local corporate sponsors to donate equipment, jerseys, medals, etc. Jones is also able to continue helping the disabled reach their sporting goals by the help of a great volunteer base.
“Buddies” are volunteers that help the players run the bases if they’re in a wheelchair, or hit the ball if their physical capabilities don’t allow them to do so on their own.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” says Jones. “We are striving for a 1:1 ratio of buddies to players, right now we have eight volunteers and so far 15 registered players.”
Buddies are any abled body people, so kids or adults that want to help, they are more than welcome to volunteer.
Jones said, “While we were at training, there was a man in his 70s with his own disabilities, that was a buddy and a coach. This program really is for everyone.”
If anyone wants to register or sign up as a volunteer you can email Christine at challengerbaseballestevan@gmail.com.
The league will start with “buddy training” and a meet and greet on April 28, which is exercises to see which player will be best paired with a buddy. Then the games will start May 5, and will last for one hour every Sunday from 1 p.m to 2 p.m. The games will be started with warmups, and go for three innings at the Lynn Prime diamonds.
The program’s season will go from May until the end of June.
Jones said they have some fundraisers coming up, Norwex is doing a fundraiser soon, date unknown at the moment, a Southern Plains Co-op barbecue June 1, and a Mr. Mikes GratiTuesday supper Nov. 12. They are looking for companies to donate prizes for any of these fundraising dates.
“This is just such a rewarding experience for everyone involved” said Jones. “Everyone runs, everyone gets home, everyone smiles”.
The philosophy for Challenger Baseball is as simple as “play, just for fun.” Every participant is treated like every other player in a conventional baseball program. Another benefit to this program is that registration is free, as well are the smiles that come from a happy participant. All your player will need is a baseball helmet and a glove.
