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YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY
YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

Cause for Celebration

YMCA Challenger 20th anniversary banner featuring photos of athletes and families surrounding a commemorative jersey. YMCA Challenger 20th anniversary banner featuring photos of athletes and families surrounding a commemorative jersey.
Belong Grow Shine Play Belong Grow Shine Play Belong Grow Shine Play
llustration of a teal jersey reading "Challenger 20 Years" over an orange baseball diamond background, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the YMCA Challenger program.

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.

THE DAY, INNING BY INNING

A DOUBLEHEADER OF A DAY

Photo of the Urban Youth Academy's Baseball 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 & coaches.
♦ A family day built for everyone — popcorn, giveaways, and a whole lot of cheering.
♦ Teal-and-orange ballpark energy from first pitch to final out.
Photo of inside the Negro baseball League Museum

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 Fatheads — 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.
Put Your Name on the Field

BECOME A SPONSOR

Become a sponsor, bring your team, and help every player shine. Sponsorships include tickets, recognition opportunities, and visibility before and during the event.

Help celebrate 20 years of Challenger.