Challenger Division in Lake Zurich:

The Lake Zurich Baseball & Softball Association is starting a new program within the league - The Challenger Division - for boys and girls with special needs. The program, established in 1989 in other communities, is designed to help mentally and/or physically challenged youth enjoy the full benefits of baseball participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. An introductory parent meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at Ela Public Library. For information, contact Gloria Palmblad at gloria@LZBSA.org. Challenger Division offers children, ages 5 to 18, the opportunity to participate in organized baseball. A "buddy" is assigned to each Challenger player. Buddies are volunteer boys or girls, at least 11 years old, from the LZBSA baseball or softball community. The buddy is responsible for playing side by side with the Challenger player.