Challenger Baseball is Jays Care's adaptive baseball program, delivered in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, specifically designed to empower children, youth and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.

Throughout the spring and summer, dedicated volunteer coaches lead programs in communities across Canada — creating inclusive, transformative spaces where athletes can build life skills, discover their potential, and pursue their dreams with confidence and pride.

Athletes with disabilities involved in Challenger Baseball programs increase:

  • Independence
  • Self-esteem and self-awareness
  • Relationships to peers
  • Connection to positive role models
  • Their courage to try new challenges
  • Likelihood of living a physically active life
  • Baseball & Physical Literacy skills

Did you know that, in 2024…

14,968 children, youth and adults across Canada participated in Challenger Baseball programs

417 different Challenger Baseball programs ran in communities, schools, and community-based organizations

100% of Challenger Baseball athletes made a new friend through their local program

FIND AN EXISTING LEAGUE TO JOIN AS AN ATHLETE OR VOLUNTEER

Thank you for your interest in joining Challenger Baseball! Our athletes are the heart of the program, and our volunteers are the backbone and we’re so excited to have you interested in joining the team!

  • VOLUNTEERS: Volunteering with Challenger Baseball is often described as one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime — and we hope you’ll feel the same way! While some leagues have a strong volunteer base, many others rely on new community members stepping up to make the season possible. Challenger Baseball volunteers are asked to commit for the full season (8–10 weeks) to help ensure consistency and support for athletes. If you're ready to make a difference, reach out to your local league and join the team today!

  • ATHLETES & FAMILIES: We’re so excited you’re interested in joining the Challenger Baseball community! Our leagues are safe, welcoming spaces where athletes of all abilities are celebrated, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive — both on and off the field. No matter your background or experience, you belong here. Each league runs a little differently, powered by passionate volunteers who do their best to include every athlete who registers each season. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!

Your first step to joining a league is to see if there is an existing league near you. If you find one near you, click the league name and send a message directly to the League Coordinator letting them know that you want to join as a volunteer or as an athlete.

If you can’t find a league near you, consider starting a new league in your area. Jays Care will help you every step of the way!

INTERESTED IN LAUNCHING A NEW LEAGUE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Children, youth, and adults living with disabilities experience powerful benefits from inclusive sport and recreation — increased confidence, new friendships, and a true sense of belonging. By starting a Challenger Baseball league, you can create lasting impact in your community — and the Jays Care team will be with you every step of the way.

To be considered for launch in the upcoming season, all new leagues must register their interest by April 30 each year. But don’t worry — we’re here to support you all year long.

Your first step is to complete our New League Interest Form. Once submitted, a member of our team will connect with you to learn more about your vision, introduce the program in more detail, and walk you through the key steps to help you get started!

All Challenger Baseball leagues will receive…

  • A specialized adaptive Blue Jays equipment or top-up kit to help get your program started and support your athletes,
  • Access to annual funding, grants and supports to help maintain and grow your league and support your athletes each season,
  • Exclusive Blue Jays opportunities to celebrate athletes, Coaches and Buddies in your league,
  • Blue Jays t-shirts and hats for your coaches and athletes,
  • best in-class training and manuals to help you build an incredible program,
  • and so much more

If you have any questions, please contact ChallengerBaseball@bluejays.com. We can't wait to welcome you to our growing community!