Melanie Jones-Cook cheerfully described it as 鈥渙rganized chaos,鈥� in the best possible sense.
Jones-Cook is coordinator of the North 91原创 Diamond Sports Challenger division, where no score is kept, there are no winners or losers, and kids with cognitive or physical disabilities get to play with the help of volunteer 鈥渂uddies.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 so much fun,鈥� Jones-Cook told the 91原创 Advance Times.
At the season opener, held at at the Zarrelli Diamond in Walnut Grove on Saturday, April 9, buddies from the U18 AA squad helped participants worked on skills and played a game.
It marked a return to normal play for the program, which had to operate a carefully-distanced training camp last year due to the pandemic.
Jones-Cook explained that with the assistance of the Toronto Blue Jays 鈥淛ays Care Foundation鈥� initiative, the program has been able to expand to 25 registered children, with room for more.
Games are held Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at George Zarrelli Diamond.
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Anyone interested in participating, especially prospective volunteers, should contact Jones-Cook online at or by email at challenger@nlbaseball.ca.
鈥淲hat I鈥檓 really looking for are buddies,鈥� said Jones-Cook.
She added there is also a Challenger program operating in 91原创 City.
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In Challenger baseball, able-bodied 鈥渂uddies鈥� are assigned (one-on-one, where possible) to each participant.
The provincial BC Challenger Baseball notes the goal of the program is to teach athletes living with disabilities core life skills inherent to baseball, including teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support and courage
鈥淐hallenger Baseball ensures every athlete has the opportunity to play in a fun and safe environment where they learn to become more independent, build confidence, improve their communication skills, and set and achieve their own personal goals.鈥�
Is there more to the story? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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