Challenger Baseball is Jays Care's adaptive baseball program, run in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, specifically designed to empower children, youth and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The program teaches athletes living with disabilities the core life skills inherent to baseball, including: teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support and courage. Challenger Baseball ensures every athlete has the opportunity to play in a fun and safe environment where they learn to become more independent, build confidence, improve their communication skills, and set and achieve their own personal goals.

During the summer months, volunteer community coaches lead the program as distinct leagues in communities across Canada. Throughout the school year, Challenger Baseball takes place in partnership with integrated and specialized schools and a variety of community-based organizations. Anyone registered as a Challenger Baseball coach, teacher or programmer can receive in-person training from Jays Care, adaptive equipment, t-shirts and hats for players and a wide variety of coaching tools to support their athletes.  

Athletes with disabilities involved in Challenger Baseball programs increase: 

  • Independence
  • Self-esteem and self-awareness
  • Relationships to peers
  • Connection to positive role models

 

  • Their courage to try new challenges
  • Likelihood of living a physically active life
  • Baseball & Physical Literacy skills
Get Involved

There are Challenger Baseball programs all over the country. Each of them was started by someone like you! Whether you are an educator, a parent, a community member who cares, a long-time baseball fan, or a leader at a non-profit organization – Jays Care is here to help make it easy to launch and run a Challenger Baseball program that changes lives and leaves a lasting legacy.

Start a Challenger Baseball program or volunteer in:

Your community

Your school

Your community-based organization

In 2022:

  • 9,013 children, youth and adults across Canada participated in Challenger Baseball programs
  • 283 different Challenger Baseball programs ran in communities, schools and through community-based organizations
  • 61% of parents/guardians indicated that Challenger Baseball is currently the only sport programming their child is participating in

CHALLENGER BASEBALL FEEDBACK:

“Since participating in Challenger Baseball my 8-year-old daughter has become increasingly positive about being a wheelchair user. She has a sense of belonging now and understands there are many other children who are just like her. She has made so many new friends in the past four years because of Challenger Baseball. She has also built up so much self-confidence in who she is as a person.” – Challenger Baseball parent

“My daughter Abby has been a part of Challenger Baseball for ten years. Abby has made so many friends through this program. To feel like you never belonged and one day find a program where you do, we have been involved ever since! It brings joy to my daughter knowing she is not alone and there are other kids just like her.” – Challenger Baseball parent

“My child has sever cerebral palsy, and he couldn’t even grip or hold a bat before being involved with Challenger Baseball. Now he holds the bat with no help, and swings to hit the ball off the tee.” – Challenger Baseball parent

We run consistent programing and offer supports to make it possible

Jays Care supports coaches, teachers and program implementers with training and coaching resources that give them confidence and skills to launch inclusive, consistent and above all, fun Challenger Baseball programs! In addition to training and coaching manuals, Jays Care provides athletes with t-shirts, hats and adaptive equipment so they can represent their team and community with pride.  

We measure our impact

98% of coaches said that training gave them the skills and knowledge they need to be a great Challenger Baseball coach

82% of partners reported that their child is more confident in their physical skills since participating in Challenger Baseball

88% of athletes reported that Challenger Baseball makes them feel like they can do anything if they try their best

"What I like most about Challenger Baseball is meeting other parents that are faced with the same day-to-day challenges and stresses as me, and being able to ask them how they cope with it. Finding my own little social group that understands the ins and outs of parenting a child with a disability that I could learn from." - Challenger Baseball Parent

"The best moment in Challenger Baseball for me this year was the first day he went to the ballpark and was able to play and participate. Until now, he just watched mom and dad play ball. This time it was HIS team and HIS time to play." - Challenger Baseball Parent