Bringing Challenger to Kanata Little League

Updated Thursday June 5, 2014 by Kanata Little League.

As you may have seen in the EMC/Kourier in the May 1 2014 edition, Kanata Little League Baseball Association is moving to pilot a Challenger Division. This is a very exciting opportunity for new players but it is also a volunteer-intense initiative and will provide equally exciting opportunities for parents, family, friends, and exisitng players in other divisions.

The Challenger Division was established in 1989, celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.  Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide.

Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball games, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three (adapting to players' abilities.)

In a Challenger game, each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a pre-determined number of runs have been scored, or when three outs are recorded. However, both Little League and Baseball Canada recommend that no score be kept during Challenger games. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms and safety equipment as other Little League players.

One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of "buddies" for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.

Parents and teenagers are strongly encouraged to become involved in this uniquely-rewarding division of Little League. Teenagers may become buddies, while parents may become involved in practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, local league board members and other volunteer positions within the league. 

As with other divisions, regular volunteers must complete a police records background check to reduce safety risks to players.

Next Steps

Today, Kanata Little League is looking for interest in the program. If you would help get this program running as a coordinator, a coach, a parent with a player, or a future "buddy" let us know. You can contact the division convener, Ken Smith, with your expression of interest at [email protected]

What Does it Mean to West End Residents?

Here are the words of Kanata Little League's Challenger Division charter member, Rosemary Smith:

Two years ago our son Michael watched a movie called “Everyone's Hero”. In short, it is a movie about a little boy who has a love for the game of baseball. Ever since then Michael hasn't been able to stop talking about the game. He hits the ball around at home, wants to go out and watch others play the game, he watches any movie with a baseball theme that he can find, it's his favorite game on the Wii, and has been asking when he will be able to join a team.

Michael has Down Syndrome, he is blind in one eye and his gross motor skills are delayed. He loves sports especially baseball but has not been able to join a baseball team. Michael has been involved in other team sports in the past and the other kids have been fantastic with him, but as he gets older and regular teams become more competitive he is less able to keep up with the level of skills required. So when we first heard about Challenger baseball coming to Kanata, we were very excited for our son Michael to join. To be able to play on a team of his own and excel at his own pace without getting frustrated and feeling inadequate, will bring him great joy. Now he will be able to feel proud of his achievements.

When organizations and the community get involved and provide these types of opportunities for special needs kids everyone benefits. It means so much to these kids, to us as parents and it enriches all those involved. Why not come out and see what it's all about. Having extra spectators cheering our children on or giving them a high five goes a long way, so come out and watch a game or two, you won't be disappointed.