Updated May 9, 2020
Greetings from the Challenger Jamboree Committee!!!
We miss seeing all the players, coaches and families in Norfolk this weekend. Since we can't be together in person this weekend, we're sending you this message and a video that highlights previous Jamborees. Click on the link HERE or go to our Facebook page: Jake Hardison Memorial Challenger Jamboree.
We look forward to seeing you for next year's Jamboree on May 7-9, 2021!!!
Gary Owens
for the Challenger Jamboree Committee
Updated March 22, 2020
Dear Challenger Jamboree participants,
After meeting on March 22, 2020, the Committee for the Jake Hardison Memorial Challenger Jamboree have decided to act upon the recommendation of Little League that no Challenger games be played before May 11th.
Therefore, we regretfully decided that the 2020 Challenger Jamboree, scheduled for May 8-10, will be canceled for this year. We hope this notice will give you enough time to cancel any hotel reservations you may have made for this year.
The health and safety of our players, parents, siblings, managers, coaches and the many volunteers that make this Jamboree an annual event are more important than the games we play and the activities we attend.
We know you are as disappointed as we are, but we also hope you understand. Please mark your calendars for May 7-9, 2021 for next year's Jamboree! Looking forward to seeing you then!
Stay Healthy!!
Gary Owens
for the Jamboree Committee
Updated March 13, 2020
To All Challenger Jamboree Players, Parents, Managers and Coaches
By now I'm sure you've been keeping up with the news concerning the coronavirus and it's effect on Little League and the rest of the sports world. Like you, we at the Challenger Jamboree are keeping an eye on it and hope that it doesn't affect any of our participants and will be resolved quickly.
This is a short note to keep you aware of what we, the Jamboree Committee, are planning. Little League HQ in Williamsport has told us that they are canceling Jamborees around the country that are scheduled to take place in April. Right now that doesn't affect our Jamboree in May. However, the Committee for the Jake Hardison Memorial Challenger Jamboree will meet on April 5th to determine if we will play or cancel our Jamboree scheduled for May 8-10. We will notify you later that week of our decision so that you can take action on your hotel reservations.
Gary Owens
for the Jamboree Committee
The 2020 Jake Hardison Memorial Challenger Jamboree will be held May 8, 9, and 10, 2020, hosted once again by Azalea Little League (Virginia District 8) in Norfolk. This is our 29th annual Challenger event.
The concept for the Jamboree was started in 1992 by former Virginia District 8 Administrator Jake Hardison, to provide an event for special needs children similar to the Little League World Series but in a non-competitive environment. The event gives boys, girls, and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball and socialize in a positive atmosphere.
Formerly known as the Challenger Tournament and Fun Weekend (1992-2005) and the Little League Worldwide Challenger Jamboree (2006-2011), the Jamboree was renamed in Mr. Hardison’s honor after his passing in 2012. The Jamboree will once again offer our traditionally popular events, such as the themed dance on Friday night, carnival, concessions, activity zone, Saturday picnic, and baseball games on Saturday and Sunday. The Jamboree offers games in two divisions: Little League Challenger (age 4-19) and Senior Challenger (age 15-up).
2020 registration and information documents are available by clicking on the links below:
Challenger Information Packet
Team Roster Form
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact the following:
Gary Owens, Jamboree Information/Schedule Coordinator - [email protected]; (757) 777-8877
Andrew Adler, District Administrator Virginia District 8 Little League - [email protected]; (757) 288-1356