Challenger Program: Our Adaptive Division for Physically and Developmentally Challenged Children
What is Challenger baseball?
Little League’s Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate, adaptive division of Little League to give boys and girls with physical and developmental challenges, ages 4-18 (or up to age 25 if still enrolled in high school), a chance to enjoy the game of baseball.
Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide. Teams are set up according to abilities rather than age, and the games are designed to be developmentally appropriate with an emphasis on fun and teamwork.
Who can play?
Challenger is open to boys and girls ages 4 through adult. Every child has the opportunity to participate regardless of ability or limitations.
Where and when do games take place?
There will be one game per weekend, on Saturdays @ 10am, early April to mid-June. Games will be held at the Battery Park City Ballfields with the final game of the season to be held at JJ Walker (West Village).
What is a typical game like?
Everyone plays.
No score is kept.
There are no outs and everyone runs the bases.
Buddies assist players, but only as needed. The game adapts to the needs of all participants.
Coaches pitch or kids can hit off a tee.
All players bat and play defensively every inning.
Games are typically 90 minutes.
What are Challenger buddies?
Buddies are GVLL player volunteers—boys and girls chosen on the basis of their enthusiasm, kindness and patience who assist Challengers players with batting, fielding and running the bases where necessary and encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. The buddy is always nearby to help on an individual basis when needed.
The goal:
Have fun!
Contact Andy Hort to sign up for upcoming sessions.
andyhort@gmail.com or 917-565-4871
