News Details (Posted: October 3, 2011):

Temecula Valley American Little League has added a Challenger Division to their very successful Little League program this upcoming Spring season

Contact Information:

Mindy Smith
951-453-7673

Full Description:

Temecula Valley American Little League has added a Challenger Division to their very successful Little League program this upcoming Spring season

Temecula, CA. September 19, 2011:  Temecula Valley American Little League has added a Challenger Division to their very successful Little League program this upcoming Spring season!  

Challenger Little League enables boys and girls with physical, medical and mental challenges, aged 4 - 18, to enjoy the sport of baseball through the use of “buddies”.  A “buddy” is a volunteer who guides the player throughout their turn at bat and in the outfield. Nationwide, the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball and Softball was created in 1989.  Playing with standard equipment on regular fields, players learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also how it feels to be part of a team. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play, regardless of limitations. Maggie Ticish, SLP from M&M Children's Services comments, "This is a great opportunity for the youth of Temecula and their families to come together and share their similarities rather than differences.  The benefits of full inclusion and using typical peers to model appropriate behavior has been well documented but in reality the buddies in the program will also benefit from the experience as they develop greater awareness and acceptance and most of all true friendships.

Our Challenger League will begin in March, but the league is organizing volunteers, sponsors and interested participants now. The league includes ALL children who reside in Temecula. We are currently looking for interested players and Coaches. If you are interested in finding out more information,  look for the “Challenger” headline on the Temecula Valley American Little League web site at www.tvall.org.

If you have further questions, please contact Phil Brown at challenger@tvall.org.