Challenger Baseball makes successful debut in Paris
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
Smiles, cheers and plenty of encouragement filled Lions Park on Saturday as the Paris Youth Softball Association (PYSA) hosted its first-ever Challenger Baseball Try-It Day, introducing local families to an adaptive baseball program designed specifically for children and youth living with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Ten athletes participated in the inaugural event, which marks the beginning of a new partnership between PYSA and the Jays Care Foundation's Challenger Baseball program. The initiative aims to create opportunities for athletes of all abilities to experience the joy of baseball in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Leading the effort to bring Challenger Baseball to Paris is PYSA board member Grace Aulsebrook-Smith, who said the positive response from families exceeded expectations.
"There were 10 athletes that came out to the try-it day," she said. "I heard nothing but positivity today. So many people eager to register immediately after asking how the process works. So many families excited to attend the following try-it day on June 3 and nothing but smiles and cheering from our athletes."
Challenger Baseball is a national adaptive baseball program operated by the Jays Care Foundation in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada. The program is specifically designed to empower children, youth and adults living with physical and cognitive disabilities by removing barriers to participation and creating a level playing field.
According to Jays Care Foundation statistics, nearly 15,000 children, youth and adults participated in Challenger Baseball programs across Canada in 2024. The program operated through 417 community, school and organization-based programs nationwide. The foundation also reports that 58 per cent of parents and guardians said Challenger Baseball was the only sport programming their child was participating in.
The benefits extend well beyond the baseball diamond. Jays Care Foundation research indicates athletes involved in Challenger Baseball experience increased independence, self-esteem, peer relationships, physical activity and confidence to try new challenges.
Paris resident Tiffany Martin, who has stepped forward to serve as the program's head coach, described the first try-it day as an overwhelming success.
"I'd say it was a success with a great group of athletes coming out showing us exactly why these programs are so important and that everyone deserves a chance to play sports," said Martin.
Martin said she is looking forward to helping build the program throughout the summer.
"There's another Try-It Day June 3, then we'll be starting our summer league and I am honoured to be the head coach, like incredibly honoured," she said.
Following the second try-it session, organizers will begin registering athletes and launching weekly one-hour sessions throughout the summer. Final scheduling details are still being determined and will be announced before the next event. Aulsebrook-Smith credited the success of the launch to a strong network of community partners and volunteers. Support came from the PYSA executive, local volunteers, FAIR Brant staff and Cam Linwood, vice-president of Jays Care Foundation, who attended the event and helped support the launch.
"This has been a labour of love for our team and for it to officially come together and see it live in action was an unforgettable experience," said Aulsebrook-Smith. "I'm so excited to see it continue to grow throughout the season."
The next Challenger Baseball Try-It Day will take place June 3 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Lions Park Diamond A. Families interested in learning more about the program or registering an athlete are encouraged to contact PYSA by email parischallengerbaseball@gmail.com or visit the Jays Care Foundation's Challenger Baseball program website.
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