Challenger Baseball kicks off its second year in Whitecourt

 

Every child wants to have fun and be able to play games just like everyone else. For many children that’s not as easy as it sounds because of cognitive or physical disabilities that make it difficult or even impossible to join organized activities such as sports. Enter in Challenger Baseball which is a league specifically for children with disabilities. It kicked off this year on Friday, May 25 at Graham Acres and over 17 kids showed up.

For moms like Robin Bergeson, the program has allowed her son Parker to get out and have fun. “He was in it last year and I never thought it would be something he would like because of his lung difficulties but he loves it.” She said many of the kids taking part can be really isolated when it comes to taking part in sports because of their disabilities.

“Sometimes it’s too dangerous or they won’t try to make it easier for the kids or change things around, so I think it’s really great that these kids that might have been sitting in their houses all summer, can get out and play with other kids with special needs and the parents can get a break, too.”

Coach/Program Facilitator Bernnie Gervais explained that the group gets together once a week and are joined by different teams. “Each week we have a different team from Whitecourt Minor Ball come and buddy up with the kids and if the kids are not able to do a task then they order their buddy to do it for them. They make friends and have a lot of fun in a safe and fun environment.”

They start off by working on drills and warm-up exercises before coming together to play baseball. One of the biggest sponsors of Challenger Baseball is the Toronto Blue Jays. Years ago, they stepped up and helped Little League Canada. Gervais was flown to BC to be trained in the different activities and to work with the kids. The Blue Jays will be sending each player a shirt that fits and a matching cap. “They are totally supportive if there is anything we need. It’s an amazing program.”

She said she’s hoping to get the kids personalized jerseys and to raise money to bring them to a year-end Jamboree in Sherwood Park which is for all the Challenger Baseball groups in the area. “It would be amazing to be able to take them,” said Gervais.

Being able to make friends with kids who understand what it’s like to be different and who have maybe been treated similarly, can really help with boosting confidence. Player parent Stephanie Kubke said her son Zechariah Ghostkeeper has been through a lot in his young life and that the program is a blessing for him. “It’s a cruel world out there but he just wants to have fun like any other kid.”

She recalled a heartbreaking moment a couple of weeks ago when she witnessed Zechariah crying in the backyard because he doesn’t have any friends. “He doesn’t go on play dates. He’s never been invited to a single birthday party this year and nobody showed up for his party, either. So, to see him out interacting with other kids his age and having a fun time is amazing. This is the best thing.”

Though he is still apprehensive going to the weekly meets, Kubke said she hopes that will ease with time. “When he comes and sees that other kids are here to play with him and genuinely want to play with him, he just lights right up but he’s so scared of rejection because he faces it every day.”

At the end of the evening, Gervais called everyone to the dugout for a special presentation. Each year, organizers nominate one child for the Jays Care Unstoppable Kids Award and, after last year’s season, they selected Joey Ricalton. He received a Golden Glove award and is now in the running for a fantastic prize pack from the Blue Jays which includes getting to attend a game, throwing a first pitch, and much more.

Parents who would like to learn more about joining the league are encouraged to contact Bernnie Gervais at 780-517-0211. “Don’t fear. Have fun,” said Gervais with a smile.