Oregon District 9 Little League Baseball & Softball: Adaptive Baseball ('Challengers')
REGISTRATIONS FOR LITTLE LEAGUE'S ADAPTIVE BASEBALL PROGRAM ARE ONGOING - as we do our best to involve interested families and youth as soon as possible with the season!
We are still recruiting for volunteers, players, and SPONSORSHIP/DONATIONS for the 2013 season. Games are at 1PM and 3PM, Saturdays at the Holt Elementary School off Harlow in Eugene. Games are scheduled April 13th through June 22nd.
Interested families may "just show up," visit with the team manager, complete the forms, and start participation that day, if the child qualifies for this division of play. This is NOT for children who should be on conventional teams. Chidren who should be on a conventional team should be signed up through their regular Little League.
Mailing address for the registration/medical releases, volunteer applications, and donation/sponsorship forms & funds:
PO Box 328, Scotts Mills, OR 97375-0328
Though we do our best to keep eligible returning players together, to keep teams somewhat evenly balanced in numbers, there is a possibility there will be a "need for change." The uniform tee-shirt and hat are keepers for the kids ... several parents over the years have sworn that the shirt doesn't leave their ballplayers body until the season has been over a few weeks ... the kids "live" in them! "Head Coaches" may vary from year to year - depending on the volunteers who step "to the plate." Sponsorships and Donations are extremely important in the operation of this division as we follow Little League's guidance that no Little League program can require "pay to play" and we want every eligible child participating. Any donation in any amount is helpful; individual donations make a big difference. Team "sponsorships" are $300, providing a shirt and hat for the players. Additional sponsorships and donations help cover the minimal fees associated with chartering and insuring the teams through Little League Baseball and Softball, Inc.)
- Oregon Community Foundation "Angels" - Head Coach Bill Dowell. Coaches Carmen, Breanna and Evan. Players - Red, Emily, Michelle, Sabrina, Taylor, Ben, Austin, Hunter, Roman, Teagan, Dasha
- Papa's Pizza "Padres" - Head Coach Tony Rodriguez. Coaches Kyler, Sean, Mike. Players - Corey, Elliot, Tristen, Anthony, Ben, Corwin, David, Javon, Joey, Amanda, Gabriel, Zoe
- Eugene Coin & Jewelry "Rockies" - Head Coach Erik Lovendahl. Coaches Ayanna, Mike. Players - Bryson, James, Harrison, Niklas, Frankie, Xander, Kian, Luke, Damon, Jordan, Alex-
- Oregon Community Foundation "Storm" - Head Coach Tony Rodriguez. Coaches Kyler, Edward. Players - Alex, Hannah, Gabriella, Kelsea, Joshua, Carter, Johnathan, Joey, Kobi, Carter
2010 and 2011
- KVAL-TV's Kaptivating Kidz: Playing a special brand of baseball
contact us with any questions about this great program!!!
"CHALLENGER DIVISION" -
Little League's ADAPTIVE BASEBALL -
The program that
and ...
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 - in the handouts as well as on the page below! In District 9 (and in a lot of areas), it is 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! click here to e-mail us
If you are visiting our site and are from another part of the State - or from another State, ... 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!
♥ Handouts: Challenger Division forms - everything possible ! ♥
Click on the "Challenger Forms" link, 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 us at the address shown here so we can complete the background checks prior to your being with the players :
Oregon District 9 Little League PO Box 328 Scotts Mills, OR 97375-0328
2008 - KVAL - "Kaptivating Kidz"
♥ JOIN HANDS ♥ JOIN HEARTS ♥ JOIN IN ♥
a 100% Volunteer, Donation/Sponsor supported Non-Profit program ...
You don't have to know how to play or how to teach in order to help out in your local league - but you can truly help make a difference!
You see - in Little League, EVERYONE at the local, District and State levels of operation is a
"The Challenger Baseball Song" by Ben Rudnick & FriendsDo you know about Little League's CHALLENGER Division ?
... 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!"
It's time everyone in the world learned about "the other Little League Division" ~
The 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 Syndrome, 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 ~ "Oregon District 9 Little League" and the 5 leagues within its jurisdiction are all affiliated with the Federally Chartered Non-Profit, and are, thus, 501(3)(c) non-profits!
In 2008, we had 2 teams! In 2009, we expanded from 2 team to 4; and in 2010 - to SIX teams! The Sky's The Limit ... It's just a matter of finding all ways possible to get the word out to area families! As in years past, we continue registering throughout the season, so, should a family want to 'give us a try' and they come to a game, they can sign their child up right away and get them playing as soon as possible!
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; sometimes it's 'just the team's color!) Rosters are distributed to their respective coaches at least 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 photos are scheduled for early into the season with the hopes of having as many present as possible. It's generally scheduled "at the tailend" of an early morning game and ending in time for the 2nd game to get started as soon as possible. In 2010, we started up the season with fundraiser registrations at Papa's Pizza in Eugene and in Springfield, and then a Meet 'n Greet at the ballfield for distribution of uniforms and gear - as well as a great time of everyone having an opportunity to meet not only their coaches, but all of the other kids and families! "Me Thinks We Have A New and Wonderful Tradition!"
- IMPORTANT NEED: Volunteers for coaching the teams are perhaps the most important need to fill - after recruiting as many kids as possible, of course! We're always looking for very positive individuals with a strong interest in making a positive, fun experience for the kids - hopefully with some basic 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!
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. Beginning in 2010, the District 9 teams started our 'games' with 30 minutes of fun drills and skill-focused activities, then moved right into 'game mode!' Attendance isn't ‘mandatory’ for any of our events as we understand families may be on overload with other appointments, family, and/or school events. But ... 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 :-)
When the schedule's distributed: Home team takes 3rd base dugout
Visiting team takes 1st base dugout
Visiting team first at bat
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 -
2012 - We maintained 6 teams, a little smaller in number per team so the players had more playing time. We had multiple family groups which meant: one family gone, most of a team gone :-) For 2013, changes were made.
2011 - after just two registration dates, we were already at 50 kids! Started up the season with 6 teams averaging 8 or 9 per team, with ongoing registration, we're sure to beat the 69 players we had in 2010! Concerns about potential volunteer coaching limited us to the 6 teams this season, but we're recruiting strong for more volunteers and help so we can extend the program and keep our teams 'smaller' in number!!
2010 - SIX teams with ongoing registration ... and continued growth! Team Names: Em's (Emeralds), Padres, Storm, Hot Rods, Orioles, Raptors
2009 - FOUR teams with ongoing registrations as the word continued to spread across the County!
2008 - TWO teams, both under new leadership. 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" were sponsored by STATE FARM INSURANCE. One by SPRINGFIELD STATE FARM AGENT MITCH HANAN, AND ONE BY THE "GOOD NEIGHBOR GRANT" AWARDED TO THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR (a State Farm Retiree) FOR VOLUNTEER HOURS!
This division is "district-chartered," part of the non-profit program! Other divisions in Little League are chartered by the local individual 'Leagues." This program is run by the District Administrator. 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!
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.
Patty Prather, Adaptive Recreation Services
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
541 543 9757 In keeping with Little League's goal to keep support "local" when best priced, our tee-shirts are provided at a very special low price to the program - by: Brooks Chapman of The Source, LLC and Eugene Security (541-221-3690)
