Advocacy Award

By Patchen Barss 

Jays Care Foundation turns baseball from a game into a game-changer. With outstanding dedication to equitable access, belonging, quality physical activity, and resiliency, Jays Care makes sport and physical activity affordable and accessible for tens of thousands of young people across Canada. In addition to dedicated programs for girls, Indigenous youth, and other groups who face systemic barriers to play, the Foundation’s adaptive Challenger Baseball program creates a space for children, youth and adults living with physical and cognitive disabilities to find community and belonging, alongside a love of the game.

The Challenger Baseball program serves nearly 9,000 kids in Ontario and many more across Canada. Challenger Baseball fosters belonging, resilience, courage, and self-esteem, working joyfully and mindfully to ensure every athlete in the program thrives and feels genuinely valued.

“Our son is autistic. He’s always been really hard on himself. He feels like it takes him a lot longer to figure out skills, to do things. With Challenger Baseball, there is this little bit of patience, of grace, to let him learn things at his own pace,” Challenger Baseball parent Monica Small says. “They want the kids to try. It’s okay if you fail, it’s okay if you don’t get it perfect the first time. That’s the piece for me as a parent, is being able to see him progress, and see his confidence build.”

The initiative reaches far beyond physical fitness and baseball skills. Kids proudly wear team uniforms and find confidence that carries them well beyond the diamond, inspiring them to join other school and community programs, and often to build their first real friendships with other kids.

It’s also about more than just the kids. Challenger Baseball serves entire families, through initiatives like winter clothing donations, respite support, at-home activity kits, and access to books and other essential resources. Events like their National and Provincial All-Star Series celebrate the athletes and their families, building memories fostering pride and joy for them all.

“If you were to ever go to one of our games and listen to the parents in the stands, it’s so much fun. Everyone cheers everyone on, everyone knows everyone’s kids. It’s this wonderful community,” Small says.

Check out some of the Challenger Baseball players

Click on the image below to see the photo gallery