ABOUT PAASS

Marin County woman's organization gives opportunity for all to play sports.
CBS Bay Area News, April 27, 2022

Who We Are

PAASS became a non-profit in 2014 as an evolution and expansion of two sports leagues known as Challenger baseball and basketball. The Challenger baseball program and basketball program support and provide opportunities for children and young adults (5-21) with developmental delays and learning differences to participate in local community-based sports leagues. We are currently working with community members to expand available programs to include tennis and other recreational opportunities. We will continue to update our website.

Our participants are supported by peer volunteers who facilitate socialization, engagement and provide individual coaching. The participants in turn teach the volunteers the value of inclusion and acceptance. Volunteers and participants leave with a larger sense of who they are and how they can make a difference.

Our Mission

The mission and goal of PAASS are to create an inclusive supportive environment for individuals with developmental delays and learning challenges and to allow them to participate in community-based sports and recreational programs. PAASS is also striving to raise understanding and acceptance. These programs invite high school and middle school students to volunteer and support participants in various sports programs and activities. The volunteers gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives and approaches to thinking and living as well as learning to look beyond any differences and recognize each person’s potential. This in turn promotes personal growth for everyone involved in the program. Ultimately, we hope that this creates more opportunities for the participants as we believe that engaging community members leads to a better understanding of the importance of inclusion. We need to stand side by side and support each other. This is how we see community.

Our History

Tyler Barbee, with his mother Janet Miller both founders of PAASS, originally known as Challenger Baseball and Basketball, were looking to create an inclusive supportive environment for children with disabilities. His older brother Connor is autistic. Baseball had always been a huge part of Tyler’s life and he wanted to share this with his brother. Tyler also believed that having peer volunteers support and engage the players would be important. Tyler realized how much he and his friends learned from Connor.

Tyler's mission is simple: to create a world where everyone is given the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive. Inspired by his brother Connor, he has learned that some of life's greatest lessons come from seeing the world through a different lens. Individuals with disabilities bring unique perspectives, strengths, and gifts that enrich our communities in countless ways.

Through PAASS, Tyler hopes to open doors, challenge assumptions, and create opportunities for people of all abilities to be included, valued, and celebrated. He believes that when we look beyond labels and embrace each person's potential, we build stronger, more compassionate communities.