Dale City Little League: Challenger Division
"Little League Baseball for Kids with Disabilities"
- Children with Physical or Mental Disabilities can play regardless of limitations
- Non-Competitive Games
- Volunteer Assistance through Community "Buddy" Program
- Uniforms for all Players
- Challenger Jamboree held in VA Beach, VA
- Team Pictures
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies
- Awards for all Players
The Challenger Division provides boys and girls with physical or mental disabilities, ages 5 to 18, (or the completion of High School) an opportunity to play baseball regardless of their limitations. This affords them the opportunity during the late Spring and Summer months to experience the emotional development and fun of playing Little League Baseball. This Division of the League is a supervised, volunteer based, non-competitive athletic program. We are sanctioned and insured by Little League Baseball of Williamsport, PA. Inaugurated in 1989, Challenger Baseball is chartered by the United States Congress as an educational program.
Many special needs children have few opportunities to play side by side with non-challenged peers. In establishing an inclusive baseball program, we are providing a positive, fun setting with role models for age appropriate behavior. This helps to build self-esteem, confidence and acceptance as well as helping to establish strong on-going bonds of friendship and understanding between Little Leaguers and Challenger children in an environment of sharing and caring. While providing the opportunity to socialize, the children learn proper cooperative behaviors such as taking turns, sorting out problems, game strategy, independence, sportsmanship and working together as a team.
All games are non-competitive. The season will be kicked off with an opening day ceremony. All players will receive a full uniform, the necessary equipment to safely play the game, team pictures and a closing day ceremony to include an trophy at the end of the season.
One of the most positive aspects of the Challenger Division is a volunteer program that uses "buddies" during play. Buddies can be Little League Baseball players, community volunteers, friends, or family members. Buddies help assist their Challenger partner on the field with any aspect of the game. They may help push wheelchair-bound children around the field, they might help hold the bat so a player can hit the ball, they may assist in catching the ball, they may assist in throwing the ball or they may just be there to lend support and encouragement. This interaction has proven to be a positive mutually rewarding experience for all the children involved as the Challenger players enjoy the thrill of participation and their "buddies" experience first-hand the challenges these children face in their daily lives. The volunteer program also serves as a respite for those parents of special needs children and allows them to watch their children enjoy the game of baseball.
Funding for the Challenger Division comes from registration fees, contributions, sponsorships and fund raising. The financing needed supplements the cost of uniforms, equipment, awards, training, storage, advertising, special events and mailings. This is a great way to support these children and provide advertising for your company.
The Challenger Division is Little Leagues way of providing new opportunities for children with disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball.
