Tri-Cities Little League plans its first Challenger Jamboree
Submitted by Tri-Cities Little League
Tri-Cities Little League will host its first Challenger Jamboree Sept. 7-8 at the Randall Oaks baseball facility in West Dundee.
Challenger is a division of Little League that is designed for mentally and/or physically challenged children, allowing them to play organized baseball. The Challenger players are able to play baseball on the same fields, using the same equipment, while being cheered on by fans — enjoying the many benefits of Little League.
As they did throughout the season, buddies will play side by side on the field with the special needs players, assisting them through batting, running the bases, catching and defense, and simply hanging out with them in the dugout as they root for their team.
The Jamboree will bring in 12 teams from Little League District 13. Little League’s District 13 includes 14 neighboring communities, three of which currently have active Challenger divisions — Tri-Cities Little League (which includes East and West Dundee, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow, and Gilberts), Bartlett, and Woodstock.
The jamboree will feature baseball, hay rides, crafts, games, face painting, bonfires and more. Players also may visit the petting zoo and handicap-accessible golf course for free. Baseball games will be played all day Saturday, Sept. 8. Players ranging in age from 8 to 16 will include both boys and girls with special needs who will be matched with either Little League or high school players as their buddies.
Mark Johnson, Little League’s District 13 Challenger coordinator, said, “Challenger is a great program for everyone involved. The players get to enjoy the Little League experience, and the buddies get to enjoy spending time with the players teaching them about the game. It makes our community a better place. It’s a win-win-win.”
For those willing to volunteer, contact Mark Anders at mljanders@sbcglobal.net. Any donations will fund prizes for the children, games, activities and food for the two-day event. For donations or information, contact Mark Johnson mj1234@att.com.