Challenger Baseball participants across the province had the chance to play ball in South Surrey last weekend.
And they played their hearts out, with hits and catches, near-misses and home runs, with their sunny smiles brightening the grey day.
Challenger Baseball is a division of the White Rock South Surrey Baseball Association, an inclusive baseball program that allows children, youth and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities to participate in baseball. The local chapter has about 35 players who meet at Bakerview Park every Saturday morning throughout the spring to play non-competitive baseball, learn new skills and have fun, noted WRSS Challenger program co-ordinator Kim Clayton, whose husband Steve is also co-ordinator.
Part of a larger B.C.-wide Challenger program, the jamboree is held each year, where teams from throughout the province come together for a day of playing baseball and meeting players from other parts of the province.
Hosted by the local association this year at South Surrey Athletic Park, teams from as far away as Prince George, Kamloops, Vancouver, the valley and throughout the Lower Mainland came to participate, attracting about 800 participants, coaches, buddies (buddies are volunteer helpers who help the kids bat and run and catch the ball), parents, caregivers and volunteers.
Despite a soggy start to the day, everything came together, Clayton said.
"Our biggest concern was the weather, but it stopped just around 9:30 (a.m.), when participants started to arrive," she said.
Volunteers and organizers moved swiftly to put down absorption materials and mats to help make the still-wet fields accessible for players who use walkers or wheelchairs.
'It was so much fun ... there were so many comments from people saying they had such a good time. And the weather co-operated at the end," said Clayton, adding the event also celebrates inclusion and diversity within the community.
In addition to local politicians, WRSSBA president Michael Carriere spoke at the start of the one-day jamboree to welcome the participants.
"Challenger Baseball represents the heart of what we believe in, giving every child the opportunity to play, to belong and to grow through the game," he said. "This program isn鈥檛 just about baseball 鈥� it鈥檚 about joy, connection and creating a place where every player is valued and supported, with the opportunity to thrive in their own unique way."
He then addressed the more than 500 athletes who came to play.
"Your passion, your smiles and your love for the game inspire us. You remind all of us why we started playing this sport in the first place. To the families, buddies, and volunteers who make this possible, we cannot thank you enough. Your time, care, and commitment are what make days like today so special," Carriere said.
"We are proud to welcome you to our community and our fields. We hope you enjoy your time here, meet new friends, and most of all, have fun."
