VANCOUVER, Canada — Variety Challenger Baseball Field, a new base-ballpark specifically designed for children with physical and/or mental challenges, has opened in Vancouver. The inviting ‘all-children-welcome’ ballpark is the first of its kind in Western Canada.
The newly constructed high-accessible facility, valued at approximately $CAD 300,000, looks like a traditional facility but is free of stairs and features a smooth synthetic infield surface, which facilitates a freer movement for boys and girls equipped with wheelchairs. There are also more spacious dugouts and entryways to accommodate players with mobility aides.
The new para-sports baseball project was developed through a collaboration between Variety Children’s Charity, the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation, Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays and the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays’ minor league affiliate.
“Every child should have an opportunity to play [baseball],” said Andy Dunn, president of the Vancouver Canadians.
Challenger Baseball Canada
Challenger Baseball Canada is a program that offers youth with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity and experience to play a team sport in a safe and fun environment, tearing down limits and barriers that children with special conditions face.
Challenger Baseball in Canada has achieved steady growth since 2012 when Baseball Canada adopted the program into its structure. To date, over 70 communities across Canada offer programmes, and the national governing body expects increased participation numbers in 2017.
