YMCA Challenger

08/14/2026

⚾ MEET THE LINEUP!

The teams are set, the players are ready, and we’re counting down to the Challenger All-Star Classic!

Meet the Legends, Icons, Stars and Sluggers taking the field as we celebrate 20 years of YMCA Challenger.

📅 Saturday, September 12
⚾ All-Star Classic | 3–4:30 p.m.
🎉 After-Party | 4:30–6 p.m.

Come cheer on our athletes, collect some memories and celebrate two decades of playing, belonging, growing and shining!

🎟️ Get your tickets + meet the full lineup:
KansasCityYMCA.org/CauseforCelebration

08/07/2026

UMKC Institute for Human Development--- Reconnect!

As the IHD prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, we're inviting former employees, students, trainees, partners, self-advocates, family members and collaborators to reconnect. If you've been any part of IHD's journey over the past five decades, we'd love to hear from you!

08/07/2026

Saturday, September 19, Energy For Life walk.

07/23/2026

⚽️ We brought the Y to Children's Mercy Park!

Before kickoff, our Challenger team had an incredible time meeting Sporting KC fans, putting them through a few soccer drills, and handing out YMCA swag to everyone who joined the fun. A big thank you to Raegan Schurr, Senior Director of Adaptive Programs, Hilary Hedges, Senior Marketing Director, and Salveter, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy, for representing the YMCA and helping share the impact of the Challenger program.

Now we need your help! 💙

The YMCA Challenger program is part of Kick for a Cause with Thrivent and Sporting Kansas City. Every vote helps us compete for a share of $50,000 in charitable funding to expand inclusive sports opportunities across our community.

⚽ Vote for YMCA Challenger: https://web.witcontests.com/sportingkc/sweepstakes/vote/sporting-kc-thrivent-kick-for-a-cause-2026

📅 Voting ends October 1.

Every vote helps create more opportunities for athletes of all abilities to play, belong, and thrive.

07/23/2026

10 YMCA Challenger participants made their way out to Kauffman Stadium on July 18th to take part in the Royals Fantasy camp for athletes with disabilities at the Little K! This is our fourth year now of being involved along with 10 athletes from Special Olympics Kansas and 10 from Special Olympics Missouri. Each athlete was given their own Royals Jersey and had fun hitting the ball with several of the wives/S.O. of current players including Fulton, Wacha and Cagleone. We had a great time! I took as many pictures as I could. Go Royals.💙

07/23/2026

Thank you for voting, this is a one-time deal to help us get a portion of $50,000 through the generosity of Thrivent and Sporting KC. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth last night at the match!!

⚽ 30 seconds to vote. A season of impact for Challenger athletes

We’re excited to be part of Kick for a Cause with and ! Now’s your chance to help us make an even bigger impact in our community. Vote for YMCA Challenger and help us earn a portion of $50,000 in charitable funding!

Every vote brings us closer to changing lives.
👉 Rally behind us, select our cause: https://web.witcontests.com/sportingkc/sweepstakes/vote/sporting-kc-thrivent-kick-for-a-cause-2026
🎟️ Join us at the match: July 22 at 7:30 pm
📅 Vote by October 1

07/21/2026

Drivers- are you ready!? Take a look at this amazing opportunity for participants to get behind the wheel. Designed with adaptability, safety and support in mind--- take a look at this free event! FUN!

Registration is officially OPEN for our 4th Annual Youth Autocross!!!

This isn't just an event—it's a chance for young people with disabilities to experience the thrill of racing, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories in a safe, supportive environment.

Every pre-registered participant will receive a racing jumpsuit, a prize bag, and a commemorative medal to celebrate their big day.

Help us make this our biggest Autocross yet!!!

Register today and join a community that's driven by inclusion, encouragement, and fun.

https://kansascityautomuseum.com/events/auto-cross-2026/

06/29/2026

⚾ Join the Celebration. Honor the Legacy. Cheer for the Future.

For 20 years, the YMCA Challenger Program has created a place where every athlete belongs, every achievement is celebrated, and every game brings our community together.

Join us on Saturday, September 12, as we celebrate this incredible milestone with the Challenger All-Star Classic and a special anniversary after-party.

🎉 An afternoon of baseball, connection, celebration, and unforgettable memories awaits.

📅 September 12, 2026
⚾ All-Star Classic: 3–4:30 p.m.
🎉 Anniversary After-Party: 4:30–6 p.m.

Whether you're cheering from the stands, celebrating with our athletes, or supporting the mission through sponsorship or tickets, we'd love to celebrate with you.

💙 Save the date: https://kansascityymca.org/causeforcelebration

05/07/2026

Thank you, Michelle Ford ! Happy Retirement.... we love you and appreciate you so much. Last pic🥰