Medford Invitational Tournament Ending After 25 Years

MEDFORD, MA — The Medford Invitational Tournament is ending after 25 years. President and CEO Ron Giovino made the announcement in marking the organization's final Challenger Day on Aug. 29.

"The decision was inevitable, as we have decided to pass the torch," Giovino said in a statement. "Someone told me once that the true success of a program is measured in its ability to transition to new leadership. I am pleased to announce that the Challenger Day tradition has been passed on to the District 12 leadership of Bernie Colbert and Marie Shea."

A group of volunteers formed the Medford Invitational Tournament in 1996, eventually partnering with the city to form the Medford Baseball Council. The council was responsible for maintaining communications and park use and went on to revive the failing Medford Babe Ruth Baseball program and create the MIT Winter Baseball Clinic with Tufts University.

The MIT found its calling in 2006, supporting the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball, which provides children with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball.

"For the past 15 years, we have celebrated these very special athletes, each year, at our Challenger Day event," Giovino said. "Without the extraordinary support of your generosity, we have been able to create a most unique event to honor the Challenger Athletes and their families."

The MIT played a key role in taking the District Challenger team to Williamsport to be a part of the International Challenger World Series in 2019. The following year, the MIT was forced to adapt to the limitations of the pandemic, and invited its athletes to Bruce Field in Malden to hand out custom face masks for players and their families.

Giovino said the Medford Invitational organization will relinquish all official responsibilities to District 12 but will continue to have a role in future events.

"I want to thank the many volunteers, the government and community leaders, the business community for their incredible financial partnerships, the great families involved and, of course, the most influential people I will ever meet – the Challenger All-Stars," Giovino said.

The organization's final Challenger Day will be held Aug. 29.