Challengers looking forward to upcoming third season

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

Saturday, Aug. 25 saw the end of season for the second year of Caledon Challengers Baseball, taking place on the new diamond located along the King Townline in Bolton. Roughly 35 athletes from ages four to sixteen came out for the Closing Day of the season, which began in June and included ten games. After acknowledgements and an astounding rendition of “Oh Canada,” sung by Carly CIanflocca, that echoed hauntingly off the hills beyond the outfield, the words “Let's play!” were shouted into the microphone by two players and the game began.

Caledon Challengers Baseball is part of a nationwide organization, Canada Challengers Baseball, that gives children with physical and cognitive challenges the opportunity to engage in a team sport that both accommodates their special needs, yet remains as true to the spirit of a traditional baseball game as possible.

The idea originated with Michael Ortilan who, when he was young, had a friend with a disability. After two years, his initiative has grown to include four teams of players and a host of sponsors such as the Bolton Braves, the Town of Caledon, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Jays Care Foundation.

Although the team is based in Caledon, Program Director Lynda Payne emphasizes that the group is as inclusive as possible. “If they're willing to make the drive, they're welcome; there's no boundary for us.”

Jim Schlinker and his son, Jordan, from North York came upon the Challengers by chance. They were in Walmart in Woodbridge looking at sports equipment when one of the organizers happened upon them. After observing the scene, the organizer approached them, explained the Caledon Challengers and handed them a flyer. Jim immediately registered Jordan, seeing it as an opportunity to bring routine and normalcy to his son, and to himself. He describes the atmosphere at the games as “Like a big family, with no judgement. Parents can sit back and relax and watch their kids play like everyone else, and not worry. When you have a child with special needs, it's hard to sit down and explain it to someone who doesn't. People are sympathetic, not necessarily empathetic. This is almost like therapy. You can sit and talk.” Coming from North York, Jim emphasizes how much they enjoy their time in Caledon. “It's a nice community; you can make a whole day out of it. As far as doing something like this, this is pretty special. There's a big smile on their faces and an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement.”

Parent and executive committee member Fabi Tempio-Hillier has been involved since Day one and has two sons in the program. Her younger son Seguin, who's autistic, plays and her older son and his friends in high school have signed up as volunteer “buddies” - older children and adults who partner with an athlete to assist with the physical demands of the game and keep them safe. As an example, buddies help the athletes in wheelchairs run the bases or direct them on when and where to run. The buddies are often high school students getting their volunteer hours so, “It's a win-win all around,” says Fabi. “it's pretty beautiful when you see the relationships that develop; we've seen progress in all developmental domains. There's an amazing difference from the beginning of the season to the end.”

Their third season begins next June, and those interested in joining, either as athletes or volunteer buddies and coaches, can register through the Bolton Braves website at BoltonBravesBaseball.com under the “Challenger” division. There is also information available on the Canada's Challengers website, and the Jays Care Foundation website.