About Us
Since 2008, The Joy of Learning Centre has been running skating, hockey and baseball programs for children and youths with autism, and their siblings.
In 2010 they joined forces with the Oakville Little League to found the Oakville Challenger Baseball division, serving the Halton region.
The division aimed to provide the opportunity for all members of Autism Ontario Halton and special members of Oakville Little League to learn beginner and experienced baseball skills and take part in interleague baseball games and tournaments.
The idea was to provide players with exceptional abilities the opportunity to play baseball. All players are outfitted in Oakville Little League uniforms and all equipment, including bats, balls and helmets are supplied by Oakville Little League.
The division is coached and run by dedicated volunteers who are there to coach at every skill level and promote a fun atmosphere.
Throughout the winter months, with the help of sponsors, the Joy of Learning Centre runs a free-skating and hockey skills program for players at every level.
Players and their siblings are welcome on the ice and we have several dedicated volunteers skating around to help those who may need instruction. The ice is divided in two, with free-skating at one end, and hockey skills at the other end.
Registration for both programs is free and on-going throughout the season. Our programs are open to all ages and all skill levels.
In 2017, Challenger Sports partnered up with the Oakville Rangers Hockey Club to create a Challenger Hockey League. The incorporation of Challenger Hockey into the Oakville Rangers Hockey Club will further develop the growing interest in special needs hockey and will provide these players with hockey-centered coaching and skills development. Among other things, the main goal of this partnership is to provide these kids and their families the opportunity to be a part of a hockey club central to the values and identity of their community.