Special Needs Little League Comes to New Milford
Challenger Division is holding registration now through March 31.
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with special needs, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, the opportunity to play baseball.
For the first time, the Challenger Division is coming to New Milford Little League. Area towns participating in this program include, Dumont, Bergenfield and River Edge.
Organizing this league are John Lignos and Dan Davis. Challenger division teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Challenger games can be played as tee ball games, coach pitch, player pitch, or a combination of the three.
"Buddies" assist players in the Challenger Division if needed. Otherwise, players are encouraged to field and bat on their own.
Lignos and Davis encourage parents and teenagers to volunteer for this new division of New Milford Little League.
To volunteer, an application and a national background check must be completed. Teenagers may become buddies, while parents may become involved in practices, and be eligible as coaches, umpires, and other volunteer positions.
Registration for the Challenger Division is FREE.
For more information, or to register visit New Milford's Little League website by clicking here.
Hannah Hashash
7:45 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
As a parent of three blind children, I would have loved to have seen this come about when the children were younger. I am still thrilled that we now have this option for parents. I do have to say that my children signed up for rec. baseball, soccer,basketball,football and wrestling and were always encouraged and made to feel as integral to the team as all the other players. Thank you to all the coaches and volunteers in our various town sports programs that we have come across through the years.
Tony
3:55 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Good for you NM Little League. First they took over the disfunctional Babe Ruth League and now they open their doors for these children to participate in a baseball program. I find it amazing that an all-volunteer organization can take on so much and still operate at such a high level. This is the true meaning of community spirit and pride. Keep up the good work and THANK YOU..
havoc125
9:55 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012
I hope the New Milford Little League has insurance that will cover any accident and not go after the town.