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 My Site News: Do you know about Little League's CHALLENGER Division (Adaptive Baseball)? Click here for more info! |
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Monday, January 12
Do you know about Little League's CHALLENGER Division (Adaptive Baseball)? Click here for more info!
It's the program that builds ...
 "A Bridge between Observation & Participation!"
and is
"The Heart and Soul of Little League!"
Everyone in the WORLD pretty well knows about "Little League" and the conventional T-Ball, Minors, Majors, Junior, Senior and Big League teams! About Little League being "Baseball;" about Little League being "Softball!"
Now it's time everyone in the world got to know about "the other Little League Division" ~ CHALLENGER DIVISION!
This Division is all about the "heart and soul" of Little League - where reality is "every kid plays that has the desire ..." - with walkers, with visual or hearing impairments, with Down's, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Fragile X Syndrome, mental retardation, developmental delays, with wheelchairs, with limited or no hand/eye coordination, with -- well, you name it! -- it's about children living with life's "challenges"... and it's the newest of all divisions within Little League - first forming at the national level in 1989. It's been an active program in the Portland and Salem metro areas since the 1991 season, and came to Lane County with the first conventional league chartering in 2003! YOU can help in the development of the program by sharing information about it with programs, organizations, schools, and families who may have an interest!
Each area that has the Challenger program has its own schedule and sets up for their program, but all are focused on fun, child development, safety, and adapting the game to make it the most beneficial for all the kids playing!
Little League Baseball and Softball does not limit participation in its activities on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference or religious preference and will not turn any child away for lack of or limited funds.
Little League is a FEDERALLY Chartered non-profit, by virtue of legislation approved unanimously by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and signed into law on January 16, 1964. Granted a congressional Charter of Federal Incorporation, no other sports organization has been so honored by the Federal Government ~
Check out "The Challenger Baseball Song" on a special CD of fun, positive kids' music performed by Ben Rudnick & Friends! If you have a Challenger Division and are looking for a fundraiser, their website has information about a simple and fun opportunity!
 ENDORSED BY LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL! 
The Challenger Baseball Song and Other Hits
When Ben’s old friend Tony Chironno sent him lyrics to a song extolling the virtues of Challenger Baseball, Ben saw his chance to help Little League’s fastest growing division.
The Challenger Division is a place for kids with physical or mental disabilities to play ball in a totally supportive environment. Ben Rudnick and Friends put this CD together as a fundraiser disc to help raise money for equipment, field improvements, and uniforms.
Featuring "The Challenger Baseball Song," this CD features some new and some live versions of Ben Rudnick and Friends favorites. Profits from the sales of this CD are directed to Little League Baseball's Challenger Division.
In Lane County, for the 2008 season,
The schedule was as follows. The head coaches and families work to arrange for other activities should a game be 'rained out.' Additionally, other fields may be used if the original site is too wet for safe play. Questions? Visit with Jeni or the team's coach!
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Jeni Hendrickson joined District Staff with a strong focus on helping 'grow' Challenger Division - sharing information with area families and programs that serve "Challenger" kids!
- Willamette Valley Little League worked with District 9 and dedicated field time for Challenger teams at the Guy Lee Field Complex on Harlow in Springfield! Our games were scheduled to be held 'in the midst' of conventional team activity! Some events scheduled 'around the Challenger Games' included conventional teams from other leagues and/or other Districts!
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The Oregon Community Foundation Grant returned for us as did "The Source" (formerly StepUp Creations)! Each were appointed 'sponsorship' recognition with a team. Additional sponsors and donations will be needed as we upgrade equipment, help with field needs.
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Volunteers for coaching the teams are perhaps the most important need to fill - after recruiting as many kids as possible, of course! For the 2008 season, DeAnn Urmson and Josh Slonecker joined the Challenger Division as 'managers' of the teams! DeAnn was the Team Manager for "The Source/RAPTORS." Josh was Team Manager for "Oregon Community Foundation/RIVERCATS." We're always looking for individuals with a strong interest in making a fun experience for the kids - hopefully with knowledge of the game and definitely with a strong realization that this program adapts the game to make each child feel successful!
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Volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application and provide a copy of their government-issued photo i.d. as we are required, by Little League, to run a background/sex offender registry check on all who work directly with the kids!
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Date
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Time
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Home Team/3rd base dugout
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Visitors - 1st at bat
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| Saturday, April 26th |
1:00 |
Raptors |
Rivercats |
| Saturday, May 3rd * Game was moved to Meadow Park due to field conditions |
10:00 |
Rivercats |
Raptors |
| Saturday, May 10th |
* 10:00 |
PHOTO SESSION with NSP |
(individual & team) |
| Saturday, May 10th |
10:30 |
Raptors |
Rivercats |
| Saturday, May 17th |
10:30 |
Rivercats |
Raptors |
| Saturday, May 31st |
10:00 |
Raptors |
Rivercats |
| Saturday, June 7th |
10:00 |
Rivercats |
Raptors |
| Saturday, June 14th |
10:00 |
Raptors |
Rivercats |
| Saturday, June 21st |
10:00 |
Rivercats |
Raptors |
| Saturday, June 28th |
10:00 |
Raptors |
Rivercats |
In 2007, the "Rockies" and the "Athletics" were sponsored by the Oregon Community Foundation - an 'advised Grant' specific to this division! We had some new volunteers, a new direction, new player recruitment plans, and new enthusiasm building!
For 2006, the two area teams were sponsored by the STATE FARM INSURANCE GOOD NEIGHBOR GRANT PROGRAM AS AWARDED TO STATE FARM RETIREE, RALEEN HOCKENBERRY - DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR FOR DISTRICT 9.
The "Padres" and the "Angels" for 2005 were sponsored by STATE FARM INSURANCE. One by SPRINGFIELD STATE FARM AGENT MITCH HANAN, AND ONE BY THE "GOOD NEIGHBOR GRANT" AWARDED TO THE DISTRICTADMINISTRATOR (a State Farm Retiree) FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS
This division is "district-chartered," part of the non-profit program! Since we don't ask for any registration "participation fee" from these families, it's MOST important we have Sponsors and Donations to cover the cost of uniforms and to assist the District in purchasing equipment and insurance.
YOU can help because "Just The Right" Volunteers are needed to be "team managers and coaches" for these teams and YOU may know "Just The Right Person" for this job! This is the most fun - no strike zone! In fact, you're often "pitching to the need of the player" - which may mean you're pitching so YOU hit the BAT!!
To get more information about the Challenger Division program in Lane County, click here to contact District 9's Challenger Division Consultant!
With this Division of Little League,"Games are Practices!" Though somewhat structured, they are all learning opportunities for every child, for every volunteer. The intent is to provide fun learning opportunities for everyone involved. Additional ‘practices" are at the discretion of the head coach, but no practice or game is ‘mandatory’ as we understand families may be on overload with other appointments, family, and/or school events.
Home team takes 3rd base dugout
Visiting team takes 1st base dugout
Visiting team first at bat
Fify years from now, it won't matter who hit a home run, caught a fly ball or struck out in a Little League game, but the world may well be a better place because YOU took the t ... ime to make a positive difference in the life of ONE CHILD ... your own or someone else's
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Challenger Division Informational Forms, including District 9 Registration Forms
Specific to District 9 (Lane County) ... Attached are the player registration form, medical release form, "local rules" information, the Volunteer Form, a Donation Request letter and an informational flyer.
For EVERYONE, there is also LOTS of information regarding what the Challenger division is all about. As a District-run program (versus conventional divisions that are run by the local league) - we really need help in getting the word out about this program: the help of organizations, special ed programs in the school districts, support groups, parents, and the kids who have played in the past! If you have ANY questions about this division, please contact the "webmaster" listed on the front page!
If you are visiting our site and are from another part of the State - or from another State, click here to e-mail us ... including any specific questions, and where you are (city/state) ... and we will do our best to help you find a Challenger program near you!
Handout: Challenger Division forms - everything possible !
Saturday, May 19
Challenger Division in the Salem Statesman-Journal (District 7 Teams)
A CHANCE TO PLAY
Little League group allows disabled people to experience thrills of baseball
CHRIS HAGAN
Statesman Journal
May 7, 2007
Six-year-old Kayla Bolnick stepped up to the plate. She got her pink bat, pink helmet and pink jacket arranged and her coaches steadied her in the left-handed batters box. "OK, get your brake set," coach Gary Mulhern said from the pitcher's mound. Kayla reached down and double checked the brake on her wheelchair. Everything was set. Kayla plays for the District 7 Challenger Little League. The league provides a program so "disabled" players in the Salem who are unable to participate on conventional Little League teams get a chance to play. "Everybody's entitled to social activity, just like academics -- teamwork, learning the sport, friendships, the whole nine yards," said Randy Kellogg, whose son Brandon, 15, plays and whose wife Lisa Kellogg coaches. Challenger Division started as an extension of the national Little League in 1989. The Salem area started its program in 1990. The game differs a bit from standard Little League. Teams generally play two innings and bat around each time. There are no outs and no one keeps score. Players range from age 5 to 21. "It gives them self esteem and shows them they can do it like their other siblings." league
representative Wendy Knodel said. "It's to get outside, have fun, get some exercise and fresh air, and hang out with other kids that play baseball." Knodel's 14-year-old daughter Kayla Hatch, 14, has Down syndrome. Kayla's been playing since she was 8, and she looks forward to the season every year. "About Christmas time every year, it's 'Is baseball starting?' " Knodel said. This season the league has four teams: the Angels, Diamondbacks, Mariners and Rockies. Each team has about 10 players. South Salem Little League President Mike Spidel worked out a deal so the Challenger league can use the Leslie Middle School fields on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons. The league accepts players with nearly any type of "disability" - physical and/or mental challenges of all degrees. Robin VanWinkle coaches the Mariners. She has worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing childrenin the Salem-Keizer school district for 23 years. "Any kids that sign up hard of hearing are on my team," VanWinkle said. First up for the Mariners on this day is Raven Gesch, 18. "I like the batting," Raven signed to VanWinkle. "I like being on the same team with my friend Sarah." When VanWinkle signed back, "What else do you like about baseball?"Gesch decided a long answer was coming and put her glove between her knees. "Do I remember last year?" VanWinkle said after Gesch signed. "What about last year? Everybody won last year? I remember that. "Do you like playing?" VanWinkle signed. Gesch started smiling and signing quicker. "Mom's excited when we play," Gesch signed. With no score and no outs, everybody wins every time. Each swing of the bat is greeted with applause. Even players on opposing teams congratulate each other as they round the bases." Before "Challengers," there wasn't the opportunity to play Little League and here they are playing with their brothers, sisters, friends," Knodel said. "It really boosts their self-esteem." The league can be difficult for the parents at times. "It was very challenging and fun at the same time," said Knodel, who coached before running the league. "You have kids in wheelchairs who are mentally OK and you've got those with severe autism or cerebral palsy. You just have to take each situation as it comes. "But it's really fun though when you can get them all situated and you see the light in their eyes when you say 'OK, it's time to get your batting helmet on,' and they all get their helmet on and they all sit down." The biggest challenge for the league has been getting the word out. Lisa Kellogg hadn't heard of the league until six years ago, when she tried to sign her son, Brandon, up for the standard Little League. "I just wanted him to have a chance to play because he loves to play baseball," she said. Now she copies the league entry forms and hands them out at Brandon's special needs classes. "Word of mouth and sharing information -- it's the only way to advertise, because there's just not a lot of funding," Kellogg said. The league doesn't require families pay to participate and recruits sponsors and donations to help offset the cost of the program. The league often involves the kids in fundraising, like selling pepperoni sticks -- much like their friends who play on conventional teams! One of the barriers to kids participating has been parents themselves, Knodel said. "A lot of parents think, 'My kid has special needs. They're in a wheelchair or they're in a walker. How will they get to first base?' " Knodel said. "I recommend they come out to a game and just watch." chagan@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6702
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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Click here to complete a VOLUNTEER form; print & mail ...
Little League requires we run a background check and/or sex offender registry check on all adults who work directly with the children. THIS division is very unique in that there is very very seldom the case when an adult is alone with any child. Though we continue to do the background/sex offender checks, it is the families and bystanders in the program who show up in great numbers that help provide the safest program ever for these kids ...
For folks in Lane, Douglas and Coos Counties, please complete the form and mail it with a photocopy of your government-issued photo i.d. (generally a drivers license) to:
Oregon District 9 Little League PO Box 328 Scotts Mills, OR 97375-0328
Peanuts Theme
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