Thanks to all who joined us for the 13th annual Cheers for Challenger event on September 26! It was our biggest Cheers event yet, with more than 270 guests.
 
For the first time, the event was held at The Tower Club at Arrowhead Stadium, which proved to be the perfect place to celebrate our YMCA Challenger MVPs. The evening included great food, beverages, a silent auction with great things like Royals and Chiefs memorabilia, a live auction with the Nigro Brothers, plus appearances by the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders and former Chiefs player Shawn Barber. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Fred and Jami Pryor Foundation. 
 
The funds raised from the event help give all of our Challenger athletes the opportunity to be MVPs. Thanks to our donors, sponsors and guests, the funds will give more youth with diverse abilities the opportunity to grow stronger through adaptive sports and inclusive social activities, and help build two new accessible baseball fields at the YMCA Challenger Sports Complex. 
 
Several Challenger families spoke during the program. 
 
The event was a family affair for Challenger athlete Shannon Morris. She was joined by her dad and uncle, members of the Morris Brothers Band who provided entertainment for the evening. Shannon’s mom, Annette, spoke about how she is grateful for the confidence the program has given Shannon and other kids.
 
Deidra Atchley is a Challenger coach and mother of athlete, Joe, who never misses a sport.
 
"It's the best program ever,” Deidra said during her remarks at the event. “Seven years ago, I wasn't sure how long we'd be able to participate...Seven years later, my son is engaged. I love helping not only my son but all of the kids on the team learn how to work together.”
 
Her daughter, Bella, also helps lead soccer, bowling, basketball and football. 
 
“I like it because I get to help everyone and inspires kids to not give up on their dreams,” Bella said.

View all event photos