OAK RIDGE LITTLE LEAGUE

The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefi ts of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program. The Little League Challenger Division provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.

Oakridge Little League is proud to be a participant in the Little League Challenger Division.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 7, 2008) – The Challenger Division became a part of Little League in 1989, and since that time has seen thousands of children rejoice in having the opportunity to enjoy the Little League experience.

In recent years, local, district, regional, and international Challenger Division Jamborees have been hosted at various locations throughout the United States. The events for children with physical and mental disabilities annually draw hundreds of special needs children to fields for the chance to play.

“Challenger Jamborees are great fun for the children, but also afford a fantastic opportunity for parents to share stories, network and gain fresh ideas on how to better their Challenger leagues back home,” David James, Director of the Little League Challenger Division, said.

“These events continue to draw great interest and support from volunteers regardless of their location,” Mr. James said. “Each year, more leagues have shown the willingness and capacity to host, and travel to Jamborees, which at the end of the day makes all the moments even more special for everyone involved.”

This season, several Challenger Division Jamboree events are scheduled. For more information on a Jamboree in your area refer to the list below.

Southwest Region Challenger Jamboree, April 25-27, Houston, Texas: http://www.littleleague.org/media/2008SWJamboreeFlyer.pdf

West Region Challenger Fun Day, May 3-4, San Bernardino, Calif.: http://www.littleleague.org/media/08challengerjamboreeannounce.pdf 

West Region Challenger Jamboree, May 23-25, Dublin, Calif.: http://www.littleleague.org/media/08califchallengerregistration.pdf 

World Challenger Jamboree, May 9-11, Norfolk, Va.:
http://www.littleleague.org/media/2008_jamboree_packet.pdf
(Right Click the jamboree packet and click 'Save As' and specify a location on your computer. The pdf form has had a problem opening with the IE browser, Firefox however does not exhibit this same problem.)
http://www.littleleague.org/media/2008_Worldwide_Challenger_Jamboree_Roster_Form.pdf

Central Region Challenger Jamboree, June 6-8, Indianapolis: http://www.littleleague.org/media/2008chlgrinvite.pdf

East Region Challenge Jamboree, June 14, Bristol, Conn.: http://www.littleleague.org/media/TheEdgewoodchallengerfunday.pdf