Atlee Little League is proud to announce its seventh season of Challenger Baseball. The program will once again give mentally and physically challenged youth in our community the opportunity to play baseball. The Challenger Division will help the players join their neighborhood friends and classmates in enjoying the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
More than learning baseball skills, Challenger Divisions have been found to provide therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participant’s self esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of team work, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of our program.
In a Challenger game, each player gets a chance at bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a pre-determined number of runs have been scored, or when three outs are recorded. Little League recommends that no score be kept during Challenger games. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other Little League players.
To gain the full benefits of the program, we are asking numerous community leaders and businesses to “step up to the plate” and help us achieve our goals this spring.
First off, we will be in need of volunteers. Challenger Division games will be played at the Atlee Little League Sports Complex on Saturday mornings. If you are interested or know of someone who would be interested in coaching or participating as a “buddy” (a “buddy” basically assists individual players on the field) during the games, please contact Joe Bevan, per the contact information below.
Secondly, in these tough economic times it is Atlee Little League’s goal to once again ensure the Challenger program is absolutely free for all players. Uniforms, equipment, insurance, registrations and participation in the Challenger Baseball State Tournament in Norfolk are a few of the major expenditures needed to be covered. Atlee LL is a certified non-profit 501c3. If you are interested in sponsorship, please contact Joe Bevan per the contact information below.
Thank you for your support and please let us know if you have any questions.
Joe Bevan
challenger@atleelittleleague.org