THUNDER BAY - A new baseball league in Thunder Bay is proving that everyone loves to show off their sporty side.
The new Challenger Baseball held their first practice on Saturday at George Burke Park, and it was a day of fun had by all.
The program is an all-inclusive Baseball program for youth with intellectual or physical disabilities.
The nationwide program made its debut in Thunder Bay thanks in large part to coordinator Tyler McDougall.
“I’ve been doing Special Olympics for the last six years,” McDougall said. “But there wasn’t a whole lot for youth with intellectual or physical disabilities in Thunder Bay.
The program is run through the Jays Care Foundation, and is the first of three days in the summer that the team will get to practice.
“I think it gives them this platform to build their confidence,” McDougall said. “I think that through sport anybody gets their confidence up.”
Emily Bakker was volunteering to help get her brother Eric to learn the ways of baseball.
“I really like Special Olympics because it helps kids get out and find new friends.”
Emily said she’s looking forward to the next few practices.
“I think it’s a magnificent idea for kids with disabilities to come out here and play sports with their friends.”
The next step for Challenger Baseball, is a full-fledged league set to debut next summer.
“I think it's going to be really nice to have that connection with Jays Care because their very supportive in moving things forward,” McDougall said.
