Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

PUT ME IN, COACH!

Challenger Baseball Jamboree a grand slam of fun

Jun 17, 2019 | 1:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — Challenger baseball provides an opportunity for kids with cognitive or physical disabilities to get out onto the diamond and just play. On Saturday (June 15), Kamloops Minor Baseball hosted more than 300 athletes for the Challenger Baseball Provincial Jamboree.

There weren’t any scouts holding radar guns at McArthur Island Park on Saturday. No parents were abusing umpires. There were no blown calls or blown saves. But there were plenty of mile-wide smiles to be found at the Challenger Baseball Provincial Jamboree.

“Meeting new friends. That’s what I love, coming out to baseball for fun,” Bella, an enthusiastic ball player from Abbotsford told CFJC Today.

“We usually try to travel every year, that’s what I enjoy,” Victoria’s Oliver Korsch explained.

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“Meeting new kids, new friends,” Oliver’s teammate Ken Kay said. “Meet new friends from the different teams.”

Stacey Willis coordinates Challenger Baseball for KMBA. She says this was the first time the Jamboree was held outside of the Lower Mainland.

“It’s a great experience for the kids, for their first-time road trip,” Willis said. “We had six busloads of kids come down on charters, so they all got to bond that way. Plus we had lots of parents who drove up for the day with their kids.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today

Teams came from all over BC to take part, including this group from South Delta. Their coach Cameron Bancroft hopes trips like these, where these kids can come to play baseball with their friends, leave a lasting impression with these ball players.

“I think it’s really important for our players to come to different associations, share in all the excitement they have in these jamborees and just have a really fun day,” Bancroft said.

Judging by the reactions of the athletes we spoke with Saturday afternoon, they all had a great time.

Image Credit: CFJC Today

“I tried my best to get a home run!” Bella said. “I tried to get it over the yellow tape. I tried two times. I still need to practice.”

Now they can hold onto the memories made at the Jamboree, as they wait for next season to start.