Sparta baseball adds Challenger Division for kids with disabilities

Kids that have physical and or/developmental disabilities can now play baseball on a Little League team in Sparta. This new division being added to Sparta Little League is called the Challenger Division. The Challenger Division is open to players with disabilities for ages 6-18. Teams will play other teams with similar skill levels. Challenger players will play on the same fields, use the same equipment, and wear the same uniforms as other Little League baseball players. The goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play baseball. In the Challenger Division, every child will bat every inning, and each player will play the field. Beyond basic safety rules, Challenger Division will adjust certain rules to the skill levels of the children playing. A “buddy” system is used in which volunteers (parents or young volunteers without disabilities) assist Challenger players when needed both at bat and in the field. For instance, buddies can push players using wheelchairs around the bases after a hit or help a player get a ball in the field. Challenger players learn what it feels like to be part of a team, to be cheered, and most of all to have fun playing baseball. For additional information and to register, visit Sparta Little League at www.spartabaseball.com.