LWF Challenger Baseball Wraps Up an Incredible First Season
LWF Challenger Baseball Wraps Up an Incredible First Season
The first season of LWF Challenger Baseball has officially come to a close — and what an inspiring beginning it has been for athletes, families, and volunteers across the LWF (Fall River, Waverley, Windsor Junction, Lakeview) community.
Challenger Baseball is an adaptive baseball program designed to provide children, youth, and adults living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. Supported nationally by Baseball Canada, and the Jays Care Foundation, the program focuses on building confidence, friendship, and community through the power of sport.
This summer marked the first time LWF hosted its own Challenger Baseball league, welcoming athletes of all abilities to the diamond each week. Players were paired with volunteer “buddies” who provided one-on-one support, ensuring that every participant could take part at their own pace — whether hitting off a tee, running the bases, or simply enjoying the atmosphere with teammates.
Program coordinator Shawn Ryder said the enthusiasm from families and volunteers was overwhelming:
“From our very first session, it was clear that this program was something special. The smiles, the laughter, and the sense of teamwork each week showed exactly why Challenger Baseball is so important for our community.”
The success of this inaugural season would not have been possible without the generous backing of local sponsors and community supporters. The league extends its heartfelt thanks to Waverley Animal Hospital, Baseball Canada, and the Wellington–Grand Lake and District Firefighters Association for their incredible support. Their contributions helped provide uniforms, adaptive equipment, and accessible field resources — ensuring that every athlete could safely participate and feel like part of the team.
“Community support is everything,” Ryder added. “Our sponsors believed in what we were trying to build, and because of them, a number of players got the chance to experience the magic of baseball for the very first time.”
As the season wraps up, the LWF Challenger Baseball team is already looking ahead to next year — with plans to enhance the program, welcome new athletes, new buddies, and continue building on this year’s success.
Families interested in joining the program, as athletes or a buddy, and businesses wanting to become sponsors are encouraged to reach out to Shawn Ryder at shawn@shawnryder.com.
Because when everyone gets the chance to play, our whole community wins.