Martin County North Little League: District 17 Challenger Division
Wednesday, December 16|
Challenger Division
MCNLL/District 17
Little League Baseball 2010
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The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball is a program for mentally and physically disabled youth to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
The Challenger Program began in 1986, when Ed Beardsley approached his son’s teacher about forming an athletic after school program. The students, not able to play regular baseball, needed an alternative. The first year five students participated in this informal version of what is now the Little League International Baseball Challenger Division. By the end of the first season, fourteen children were playing baseball. Today, more than 27,000 players participate in the Little League Challenger Division.
Spearheaded by Martin County North Little League, and working in conjunction with Little League District 17 and the surrounding area little leagues, the Challenger Division on the Treasure Coast is back for its fourth season! For the past three seasons, over 50 children have participated in the program and enjoyed learning the game of baseball and sportsmanship, making new friends, and playing the game of baseball. We look forward to another terrific season! The Challenger Division will provide boys and girls, ages 5 through 22, the opportunity to participate in a safe playing environment and participation in Little League baseball. The focus is on having fun while learning the game of baseball. The rules are modified to include that no score is kept, each player bats every inning, and everyone plays the entire game.
The Challenger Division also includes a “buddy” system, in which youth and adult volunteers assist players throughout the season to ensure their safety and success. Two seasons ago, we piloted the Martin County North Little League “Team Buddies” program, in which teams from the various age divisions in the little league program participated as buddies. Back by popular demand, due to the wonderful interaction between all the players, our “Team Buddies” program will return this season.
Registration will be held at the Stuart Shuffle ball Building on Georgia Avenue Georgia Ave.(Downtown Stuart adjacent to tennis courts across from Stuart Middle School)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH 6 – 8 PM
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6TH 6 – 8 PM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9TH 9 AM – 12 PM
Weekly practices will begin in February, and the spring season will begin in March and continue through May. All games will be held at Sailfish Park in Stuart each Saturday. THERE IS NO FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGER DIVISION, AND EACH PLAYER WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A COMPLETE UNIFORM AND ALL EQUIPMENT Please visit our website at www.eteamz.com/mcn for further information, or feel free to contact Jill Marasa at (772) 370-8108 or Louise Crocitto at (954) 328-4881 The success of the many Challenger Divisions is when the families share in the enthusiasm for the games and express joy in seeing their children participate, as well as the fun and exciting team oriented environment for the children. We look forward to talking with you about the opportunities this program may offer your child. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like more information.We look forward to seeing you at registration!
Jill Marasa Louise Crocitto
Challenger Division, Coordinator Challenger Division, Director
Email: tacmara@aol.com or lmcro3pete@comcast.net
Martin County North Little League (772) 219-8080 www.eteamz.com/mcn