Headshot Photo of Asa Schaeffer
2017 Award Recipient

AsaSchaeffer

Project Santa Cruz Challenges Baseball

Location Santa Cruz, CA

Issue Area Disability Justice

Asa recognizes that every child can benefit from team sports, but many children with special needs are never afforded the chance. To address this issue in his community, he organized a Challenger Baseball league, where players who have physical or developmental disabilities are paired with Little League players, aka “buddies.” Asa acts as an ambassador for the program, taking on the role of coordinator, liaison, and promoter.

In six years, the Santa Cruz Challenger Baseball League has had approximately 65 players, 250 “buddies,” and 100 coaches and community member volunteers. The program is supported by the Santa Cruz Little League and the local high schools, and has raised $5,900.

I am now constantly inspired by all the kids that I have met through working on this program.

Asa Schaeffer
“It is never too late, too early, or too often TO GIVE BACK AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE”
Helen Diller