Challenger Baseball is back for another season, right here in North Delta. This adaptive sports program offers baseball-style activities for kids with disabilities – because everyone can play ball! Provided as part of North Delta Baseball Association’s (NDBA) leagues, Challenger Baseball is supported by the Jays Care Foundation and local volunteers.
Head Coach Susan Chan is counting the days until baseball season is back on the turf. She has volunteered with NDBA Challenger since April 2021. “This program is so fantastic in so many ways. When we were coming “out” of covid, I was so happy that I had some free time on Sundays to give back to the North Delta community,” said Susan, whose usual schedule of shuttling kids to competitive sports was empty that spring. “I fell in love with Challenger from the moment I walked onto Delsom Turf. I had no prior training with youths who are neurodivergent; I have only had the opportunity to learn from my good friend, Nick Fehr, who has Downs syndrome. But the power of play is all we need!”
Challenger Baseball is a specific baseball program designed for youth with developmental, physical and cognitive disabilities. Offered in communities across Canada, this is not just about playing baseball; it’s about bringing together community members to develop peer relationships, be part of a team, offer volunteering opportunities, and have fun.
In Challenger Baseball, players grow and learn, make friends and learn from coaches and volunteer buddies who are there to help them every step of the way. Through this program, they discover how strong and capable they truly are and develop a love for baseball and staying active.
During the baseball season, our dedicated volunteer coaches make sure every Challenger Baseball session is fun and safe for everyone. Our volunteer buddies work 1-on-1 with Challenger Baseball athletes, ensuring they are working towards their unique and individual goals and promoting independence.
Volunteers or “Buddies” are crucial to any Challenger Baseball program. They offer a 1-1 experience to coach, demonstrate, encourage, and cheer. Want to be a “Buddy”? Baseball experience is not required, and it’s open to anyone in North Delta who wants to help, teen or adult. With many buddies being teens, peer relationship development becomes part of the program, ultimately leading to a more inclusive, welcoming community for all.
The Challenger Program runs April to June, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Delsom Field in North Delta. For more information email challenger@ndbaseball.com.
