Blue Jays Academy to hold Jamboree June 7

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays Baseball Academy is set to host its second annual National Challenger Baseball Jamboree on June 7.

The event will take place at Rogers Centre immediately following Toronto's game vs. the Cardinals. Participants will get to play a game on the field while receiving tips and instructions from academy coaches.

Challenger Baseball provides an opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the benefits of playing baseball in a setting that caters to their needs. Each participant is assigned a "Buddy" who acts as a mentor and will assist players when needed.

"Challenger Baseball provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to do something that able-bodied kids do," said Ian McLean, who is the coordinator of Challenger Baseball. "It's just a huge victory for families that never dreamt their child would be able to play baseball. I am really pleased the Blue Jays are partnering up with us and helping to spread the word."

Participants of the jamboree must have a ticket to the game vs. St. Louis on June 7 in order to participate in the festivities. Registration for the event is available at bluejays.com/challenger. In addition to jamboree at Rogers Centre there will also be other events scheduled in Vancouver, Halifax, Moncton, Okotoks (Alberta), Spruce Grove (Alberta) and Regina at various points in the summer.

"We are thrilled to be a Challenger Baseball partner," Blue Jays senior vice president of business operations Stephen Brooks said. "Our experience in year one with the Jamboree was exceptional for all involved and we anticipate this will be a fixture the Blue Jays schedule for many years to come."