Virginia's District 7 is honored to have the responsibility of overseeing the largest baseball program for mentally and physically challenged youth on the Virginia Peninsula. These young men and women enter the gates with no fear, no worries and no envy. The enthusiasm displayed each time they take the field reminds us all what is really important in life.

To never give up, regardless of the challenges we're faced with, is a lesson we should all try to learn.

Twice a week we look forward to participating together in America's pastime. If not but just for a little while, we are all the same. We are all just baseball players, having fun with our teammates and soaking in the wonderful sounds of our biggest fans cheering us on.

Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players, who can participate in one of three levels: Tee-Ball, Coach-Pitch or Player Pitch.

The registration fee for the Challenger Division is $18.00 per team (same as for all other divisions of Little League). Accident insurance is set at the same low cost as other Little League divisions and is available through Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of "buddies" for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.

Since its creation in 1989, the Challenger Division has served its participants in ways that far exceed the skills learned through the experience. The value of the Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports: the strengthening of the participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play that are hallmarks of the Little League program.

Program Rules and Procedures

The following rules and procedures apply to all leagues being considered for a grant:

• The local Little League must submit a completed Challenger Program Grant Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications are subject to Little League International approval and must include:

• Signatures of both the league president and one other league official.

• Contact information for the officer of the league who will be responsiblefor the disbursement of grant funds.

• A list of items to be purchased, and

• A description of children who will benefit or the types of disabilities thisfunding will address.

• Leagues are eligible for a grant on a one-time-only basis.

• Grants are made possible by a corporate program funded by the Teammates forKids Fund

• The local Little League will be required to submit an accounting of how the funds were allocated (within 90 days of disbursement).