As part of Baseball Canada’s year in review, we are counting down the Top 12 Stories of 2012. Many great stories have occurred over the course of the year and today we take a look at #11.
“in a League, on a Team, in a Uniform”
In June at Baseball Canada’s Annual General Meeting, Baseball Canada’s Board of Directors voted to implement Challenger Baseball, a program that provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to play baseball, in a division created for their very special needs.
Ian McLean, BC Challenger Baseball Coordinator presented the Challenger Baseball Program to Baseball Canada’s Board of Director’s and was later named National Challenger Baseball Coordinator for Baseball Canada.
“Challenger Baseball provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to do something that able-bodied kids do,” said McLean. “It’s just a huge victory for families that never dreamt their child would be able to play baseball.”
McLean has been busy since June looking to place Challenger Baseball Coordinators in each province with the intention of getting minor baseball associations across the country to implement Challenger Baseball into their programs.
“The idea of getting provincial coordinators in place is crucial to starting Challenger Baseball as soon as possible,” explained McLean. “We’re going to spread the word and provide the resources necessary to get started, but the leadership is going to come from a provincial coordinator.
Baseball Canada has also recently established a website, www.baseball.ca/challenger, where people can find out information about what Challenger Baseball is all about, what baseball associations currently have a Challenger Baseball program and how you can start a Challenger Baseball program in your local association.
“Baseball Canada is extremely excited about this initiative,” said Director General Jim Baba. “Challenger Baseball is a program that associations across Canada should strongly consider implementing into their programs.
“We look forward to watching the program grow and achieve success for many years to come."
Top 12 Stories of 2012
12. Les Smeyers becomes 20,000th coach
11. Baseball Canada adopts Challenger Baseball
10. To be revealed on November 30th
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