Spring Break
Challenger Baseball in need of volunteers
ECU students asked to help
Sarah Bradley
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Features
Calling all Pirates! As a division of Greenville Little Leagues, Challenger Baseball offers all children with a disability the opportunity to enjoy one of America's favorite pastimes. Challenger Baseball began in 1989 in Williamsport, PA. However, it has only been active in Greenville since 2005. It began when John Harer moved to Greenville with his wife and four children, one of whom is autistic.
Challenger Baseball, unlike Special Olympics, includes children that have physical and/or developmental disabilities between the ages of five and 18. At Challenger games, is the score is never kept and all players get a chance to bat and play the field.
"Challenger Little League is a great way for [my son] to play baseball with diverse individuals, while having very patient and understanding coaches and relaxed game rules that allow [him] to show off his sports abilities while having fun in the process," said Karen Voytecki, mother of one of the Challenger players.
As Greenville's Challenger Division is growing, more volunteers are needed. Volunteers, also known as buddies, assist the children, for moral or physical support. The local Challenger division began with 24 players in its first season, and this year the league is in its fourth season with over 80 players.
"Last semester I worked with TOPSoccer and I loved it," Jennifer Lemke, an ECU sophomore. "It was such an eye opening experience." (TOPSoccer is a part of the Greenville Challenger Division offered in the Fall.)
Because the Challenger Division of Greenville Little Leagues offers such a wonderful opportunity to kids, many touching memories are made. John Harer's most memorable experience "…was when a young girl player had to run all the bases. She was a cerebral palsy child who needed to use a walker to get around. In one game, she was the last batter, which meant she had to run all four bases" he said.
The games are played at the Elm Street Park on the Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams. The Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams is an adaptive field making it wheelchair accessible for players. The registration fee is $10 per child and covers required insurance costs. Each player receives a team shirt and hat, with a pro team logo, which is theirs to keep. The next set of games is being held on April 19 at 9:30 am. Games are played every Saturday from the end of April to mid-June. There is also an exhibition game with the ECU baseball team on April 27 at the Clarke LeClair baseball stadium.
Come out and show your support for ECU and Challenger Baseball! Are you up to the challenge?
For more information, contact John Harer at (252) 328-4389 or email at harerj@ecu.edu.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
Challenger Baseball, unlike Special Olympics, includes children that have physical and/or developmental disabilities between the ages of five and 18. At Challenger games, is the score is never kept and all players get a chance to bat and play the field.
"Challenger Little League is a great way for [my son] to play baseball with diverse individuals, while having very patient and understanding coaches and relaxed game rules that allow [him] to show off his sports abilities while having fun in the process," said Karen Voytecki, mother of one of the Challenger players.
As Greenville's Challenger Division is growing, more volunteers are needed. Volunteers, also known as buddies, assist the children, for moral or physical support. The local Challenger division began with 24 players in its first season, and this year the league is in its fourth season with over 80 players.
"Last semester I worked with TOPSoccer and I loved it," Jennifer Lemke, an ECU sophomore. "It was such an eye opening experience." (TOPSoccer is a part of the Greenville Challenger Division offered in the Fall.)
Because the Challenger Division of Greenville Little Leagues offers such a wonderful opportunity to kids, many touching memories are made. John Harer's most memorable experience "…was when a young girl player had to run all the bases. She was a cerebral palsy child who needed to use a walker to get around. In one game, she was the last batter, which meant she had to run all four bases" he said.
The games are played at the Elm Street Park on the Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams. The Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams is an adaptive field making it wheelchair accessible for players. The registration fee is $10 per child and covers required insurance costs. Each player receives a team shirt and hat, with a pro team logo, which is theirs to keep. The next set of games is being held on April 19 at 9:30 am. Games are played every Saturday from the end of April to mid-June. There is also an exhibition game with the ECU baseball team on April 27 at the Clarke LeClair baseball stadium.
Come out and show your support for ECU and Challenger Baseball! Are you up to the challenge?
For more information, contact John Harer at (252) 328-4389 or email at harerj@ecu.edu.
This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Personal Loans
posted 11/26/08 @ 3:10 AM EST
I really enjoy that base balls sports events, the fans of every team are holding their breath just like when Justin Morneau took home the Home Run Derby title with 5 home runs in the final round, but the ridiculous Round 1 that Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers produced overshadow him. (Continued…)
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