Challenger League of Lehigh Valley Opens 22nd Season on May 5, 2013

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - April 17, 2013 - PRLog -- The Challenger Little League of the Lehigh Valley will open its 22nd season on Sunday May 5th.  The league is part of Little League International, and sponsored by the Mountainville Little League in South Allentown and Sports for Special Kids Lehigh Valley (www.ssklv.org).  Game times are 5:00 pm at the Mountainville (S. 5th St., Allentown) and Plainfield Township Little League fields.

Opening ceremonies will be conducted before the first games at Mountainville at 4:30 pm on Sunday, 5/5/2013.

The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for children with disabilities up to 18 (22 if still in school).  Participants enjoy the Little League experience, using the same equipment and field, in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.  In addition to Little League program hallmarks – strengthening  self-esteem, providing opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, experiencing the disciplines of teamwork and sportsmanship, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements – the Challenger Division also provides unique therapeutic and socialization benefits for participants and supporters alike.

Unlike the Miracle League, which is completely uncompetitive, or Special Olympics baseball / softball, which is competitive; the Challenger League emphasizes both fun and instruction in the fundamentals of all areas of baseball.  The goal is to improve the abilities of each player in batting, running, throwing, and fielding during the season.  We teach fielders how to field the ball and throw to the correct base or tag out players.  Yet no players are ever really out.  They remain on base.  Outs are not counted, no score is kept, and all players on a team bat in each inning.  

The Lehigh Valley Challenger Division will be fielding six teams this year.  Before season practices are on Sunday, April 21, and Sunday, April 28 at the Mountainville field at 5pm.  You can bring your child to the practice and register at that time.  Sponsoring businesses and organizations include The Mountainville Little League, Just Born, and Plainfield Township Sertoma Club.

Open registration will continue from now until May 1st.  To register your child or for more information about the Challenger Little League Season or directions to the fields, please contact James Sorris, jsorris@gmail.com or call (610) 419-3849.