Cause for Celebration

YMCA Challenger 20th anniversary banner featuring photos of athletes and families surrounding a commemorative jersey.

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TWO DECADES. ONE UNFORGETTABLE LINEUP.

📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
🕙 3-6 p.m. - Game and after party
📍 Urban Youth Academy - 1622 E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108

For 20 years, the YMCA Challenger Program has been the place where athletes of all abilities play, belong, grow, and shine. On September 12, we're throwing the biggest celebration in program history — a two-inning All-Star Classic that puts two decades of Challenger athletes back on the field, then carries the party to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

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THE DAY, INNING BY INNING

A DOUBLEHEADER DAY

Close-up of a baseball sitting on the baseline on a field

THE ALL-STAR CLASSIC

Urban Youth Academy

1622 E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108

3:00–4:30 p.m. · Main Field

♦ Two innings, four teams — the All-Stars open the day with some of Challenger's most seasoned athletes, the players who helped build the program into what it is today. Then the Futures take the field, featuring our newest players as they begin their Challenger journey.

♦ Walk-up music for every athlete, full PA energy, and on-field interviews with players and coaches.

♦ A family day built for everyone with popcorn, giveaways and lots of cheering.

♦ Teal-and-orange ballpark energy from first pitch to final out.

AFTER-PARTY

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum · 18th & Vine

1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

4:30–6:00 p.m.

♦ Heavy appetizers, cocktails and live music to keep the celebration rolling.

♦ Player trading cards and big heads — plus a commemorative swag upgrade.

♦ A player press conference — our All-Stars and Futures take the mic.

♦ Tour the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and close out the afternoon with us.

Meet Our Co-Chairs

Mark Moberly and Kerri Stowell

Meet The Emcees

Nick Vasos, Fox 4 Anchor, and Rex Hudler, KC Royals Commentator

Meet the Lineup

Collect the Whole Team

Meet the athletes taking the field for the Challenger All-Star Classic.

Legends

Icons

Stars

Sluggers

Don't Miss the Fun

JOIN US FOR THE ALL-STAR CLASSIC

Get your tickets and join us Saturday for the Cause for Celebration All-Star Classic, Presented by VanTrust! Celebrate 20 years of YMCA Challenger and cheer on the athletes, families and community members who make Challenger so special.

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Come be part of an unforgettable day of baseball, celebration and inclusion—all while supporting YMCA programs for all abilities.

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🎟️ Raffle Tickets Are Live!

Get a head start on the fun by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win incredible T-Mobile Center experiences. Can't make it to the event? No problem! You can still participate, and we'll notify you if you win.

Prizes include suite tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, plus Founder's Club tickets to the Kacey Musgraves concert.

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Support as a Sponsor

Want to make an even bigger impact? Become a sponsor and help every player shine. Sponsorships include event tickets, recognition opportunities and visibility before and during the All-Star Classic.

Become a Sponsor

Help celebrate 20 years of YMCA Challenger.

The Challenger Story Featured on FOX4

Hear about two decades of adaptive sports in Kansas City and the upcoming Challenger All-Star Classic in this episode of the FOX4 Kansas City's Morning Brunch Podcast. Mark Moberly, YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board Member and 21+ year Challenger advocate, joins his wife, FOX4’s Kerri Stowell, and FOX4 meteorologist Michelle Bogowith to talk all things Challenger. Mark and Kerri are co-chairs of this year’s All-Star Classic.