Kitchener baseball program for kids with disabilities proves to be a big hit

‘A safe place to learn and play in a no-judgment zone’

Thestar.com
June 5, 2023
Gordon Paul

The number of participants in Challenger Baseball has tripled in a year.

“Last year we had nine athletes and this year we have 28,” says program co-ordinator Cathy Lapar.

Clearly the Kitchener-based program for young people with physical or cognitive disabilities -- which began in 2022 -- is a big hit.

“Challenger Baseball is a grassroots program for athletes of all abilities with the goal of increasing or enhancing their life skills through play,” Lapar said.

“An increase in baseball-related skills is the secondary outcome.”

The kids love Challenger Baseball.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Braeden Vernon, 13, said on Sunday.

This is the Kitchener boy’s second year in the program.

“I’ll probably do it next year as well,” he said.

Braeden’s favourite sport is hockey, but baseball is a close second. He said he looks forward to members of his hockey team joining him at Challenger Baseball.

“I love it,” said Pippa Nitz, 10, of Cambridge. “It’s my favourite thing.”

This is her second year in the program.

“I like how you can meet new people and practise your baseball skills,” she said. “I like throwing, catching and hitting.”

She’s had some good hits. Her goal is to hit a home run.

Challenger Baseball, run through the Kitchener Minor Baseball Association, gives participants “a safe place to learn and play in a no-judgment zone,” Lapar said.

The first day at the diamond this year was Sunday at Crosby Park, near the corner of River Road East and Ottawa Street North in Kitchener. The program runs every Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, until Aug. 13.

Most participants are in two age groups: five to seven and 11 to 14. People up to age 22 are welcome to join.

“We often split the athletes into smaller groups based on age and/or ability,” Lapar said.

The number of participants grew to 28 this year thanks to “a successful promotional off-season,” Lapar said.

The annual cost is $25, which includes a Toronto Blue Jays hat and T-shirt.

“This year, as a surprise to the athletes, I had their names put on the back of the T-shirts and #23 (for the year 2023),” Lapar said. “All athletes have the same number so there is no sadness over not getting their favourite number.”

The program, run 100 per cent by volunteers, gets funding from Jays Care Foundation, whose slogan is “Help create a Canada where every child has the chance to play.”

“We have also been blessed to have some donations provided to us from some amazing groups,” Lapar said. “ToyotaAbility chose our program to sponsor this year and donated $1,000 to our group. Last season a Waterloo Tigers team held a fundraiser and donated $400 to our program.”

The Kitchener Panthers of the Intercounty Baseball League have been big supporters of Challenger Baseball. “Last year we were invited out to a game free of charge and the kids loved it,” Lapar said.