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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
Oregon District 9 Little League is a non-profit (501-3-c), registered in Oregon as a charitable non-profit, and included in the Federal Tax Exempt Non-Profit Group with Little League Baseball and Softball, Inc. DONATIONS in any amount help us keep our fees to Challenger Families and to the leagues at a minimum. Please consider making a DONATION to: Oregon District 9 Little League
PO Box 328, Scotts Mills, OR 97375-0328
CHALLENGER DIVISION - Little League's ADAPTIVE BASEBALL - The program that builds ...
"A Bridge between Observation & Participation!"
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| Visiting Team vs Home Team | Date | Game STARTS |
| Rockies vs Angels | 4/18 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Padres vs Dodgers | 4/18 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Dodgers vs Rockies | 4/25 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Angels vs Padres | 4/25 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Rockies vs Padres | 5/2 | 11:00 A.M - RAINOUT |
| Dodgers vs Angels | 5/2 | 1:00 P.M. - RAINOUT |
| Angels vs Rockies | 5/9 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Dodgers vs Padres | 5/9 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Rockies vs Dodgers | 5/16 | 11:00 A.M. @ PAGE ELEMENTARY |
| Padres vs Angels | 5/16 | 1:00 P.M. @ PAGE ELEMENTARY |
| ALL FOUR TEAMS - MIXED | 5/23 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Dodgers vs Padres | 5/30 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Angels vs Rockies | 5/30 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Rockies vs Dodgers | 6/6 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Padres vs Angels | 6/6 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Dodgers vs Angels | 6/13 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Rockies vs Padres | 6/13 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Padres vs Dodgers | 6/20 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Rockies vs Angels | 6/20 | 1:00 P.M. |
| Dodgers vs Rockies | 6/27 | 11:00 A.M. |
| Angels vs Padres | 6/27 | 1:00 P.M. |
Do you know about Little League's CHALLENGER Division ?
To "re-iterate" → ... 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!
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 ~
* Wel have FOUR teams this year, 'small in numbers' to start, but it will give the kids much more playing time! We'll continue registering throughout our playing season to ensure each child that should be a Little League Challenger has the opportunity to experience the fun this program provides! As of April 8th, we have 32 players and our four teams are:
Teams are provided a "Little League Challengers" T-shirt in the colors to match their team name - and Replica team hats. (Some seasons we use pro names, some seasons, semi-pro). Rosters are distributed to their respective coaches approximately one week prior to the first game encouraging the coaches to contact their players right away to "welcome them" to Little League! Team and individual phots are being scheduled for a date later in the season - with a goal of 'the tailend of an 11 a.m. game and taking up part of the earliest time for the 1 p.m. game.
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. We do ask that a parent/guardian communicate with the head coach or their designated (communication link) in advance of any game so they are aware if a child will be unable to attend :-)
Home team takes 3rd base dugout
Visiting team takes 1st base dugout
Visiting team first at bat
Our field is immediately adjacent to the Concession Booth whichWillamette Valley Little League will be operating throughout the season! We encourage families to make use of the concession booth as it helps cover the cost the league incurs for use of the Willamalane fields! Our games are 'sandwiched inbetween' conventional Little League Tee-Ball and Coach Pitch Minor games each Saturday - inviting an opportunity for The Word to spread! ** MAY 16th: OUR GAMES WILL BE AT THE PAGE ELEMENTARY FIELD. Information will be provided each Head Coach to share with their families.
We're hearing there are more signing up from the Meadowlark Elementary area in Eugene, and continuing recruitment is underway in the Cottage Grove area :-)
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. Prof
DIVISION DEVELOPMENT HISTORY IN DISTRICT 9 -
2009 - FOUR teams with ongoing registrations as the word continues to spread across the County!
2008 - Two teams, both under new leadership. 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." About 20 kids took to the field, and several of those were new to the program! A projected goal was extended for all the kids - to be hitting from a 'pitch' instead of off a 'tee' - and 'as soon as possible.' Thanks to the efforts of the volunteer crew, that was accomplished much earlier than initially expected - to the grins and pride of every single Litte Leaguer on the teams - and to the smiles and joy on the faces of parents and bystanders!2007 - Two teams. 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!
2006 - Two teams. Only one sponsor was available - the STATE FARM INSURANCE GOOD NEIGHBOR GRANT PROGRAM AS AWARDED TO STATE FARM RETIREE, RALEEN HOCKENBERRY - DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR FOR DISTRICT 9.
2005 - Two teams. 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!
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 WILL BE a better place because YOU took the time to make a positive difference in the life of ONE CHILD ... your own or someone else's ...
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A special THANK YOU to Bruce Frederick (General Manager) and his crew at the COBURG PAPA'S PIZZA PARLOR! They hosted the first-EVER fundraiser registration for our Challenger League program on Monday, March 23rd! Having it on the Monday of Spring Break was a plus: brought in families during the day. The fundraiser gives the supported program 50% of all food sales for the day. All that's required is that you have one of the fundraiser flyers with you when you order in or for take-out! It was such a great event, we're already making plans for a 'repeat' when we begin preparation for the 2010 season! We should know by April 23rd how much we 'profited' financially :-)
Click on the logo above to visit their website and check out the various fundraiser opportunities on their calendar. It's very possible you'll find another program they are helping out that you'd like to support. Stop by 1577 Coburg Road - Thank them in person for helping our kids, and be sure to seriously consider giving them your business the next time you get a hankering for some great pizza, salad or soup!
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provided the Jugs Lite Flite balls for the 2009 season at a discount!
info@thejugscompany.com Phone: 1-800-547-6843 Fax: 503-691-1100 |
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Portraitmasters Studios, providing us with supplies to help with the SAFETY program for our Challenger teams!
"Portraitmasters Studio is an Oregon based company specializing in School, Youth Sports, Prom and Dance, and Event Photography in the Greater Willamette Valley. Our expert photographers and professional support staff will make your picture day a breeze. We have our own state of the art imaging facility right here in Oregon. For your organization, that means better service, exceptional quality, super fast delivery, and value. To learn more about the Portraitmasters difference, contact us to set up an appointment. We look forward to serving you."
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To help spread the word about Little League's Challenger program around Lane County, we've partnered up our "communication" with other organizations that serve families with special needs children!
The City of Eugene's Adaptive Recreation Website - Click here to visit and learn of additional area activities, e-mail them, or call 541-682-6354 for more information about other activities your child or family may be interested in checking out.
Direction Service is a non-profit multi-program family support agency located in Eugene, Oregon. Direction Service presently has four major programs: Family Support & Service Coordination, Information Services, Counseling Center and Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education. Be sure to click on "Direction Service" to visit their website.
Mission of the American Special Hockey Association
Over 50 American Special Hockey Programs have been established in over 30 cities in the United States. The goal of Special Hockey is to give people with physical and Developmental Disabilities the chance to play the sport of Ice Hockey in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability which the athletes are able to participate.
Special Hockey exists for the enrichment of the athlete with a developmental disability. In addition to physical hockey skills, the program emphasizes the development of desirable individual characteristics such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration, willingness to share and personal accountability. The game of hockey is used by Special Hockey to develop within each player the characteristics that will help the player to be more successful both inside and outside a hockey environment.
"Local SPECIAL HOCKEY Contact" - Kellie Hays
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A CHANCE TO PLAY
Little League group allows disabled people to experience thrills of baseball
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."
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!
After visiting the Series for the second year, more and more fans are recognizing Sam, who is 9 years old. He’s a favorite of Dugout (Little League’s mascot) and can frequently be found watching games from the press box at Howard J. Lamade Stadium, where the World Series has been played every year since 1959. 
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