In Glendora’s Challenger Division, Everyone Wins

When Little League signups begin this month, a new division will allow all children –  despite disabilities – to play in youth sports.

For the first time in Glendora, the Challenger Division will allow special needs children to take part in Little League sports in a non-competitive environment. Last month, the Glendora National Little League Board of Directors unanimously voted to initiate the self-funded Challenger Division for the Little League 2012 season. 

“We have been involved in Little League for many years and we wanted to make it as inclusive as we could,” said Steven Schuetze, vice president of the Challenger Division. “We feel the Little League experience should be available to every child.”

The Challenger Division began in the Little League in 1989.  Since then, boys and girls with physical and mental challenges – who otherwise would not have an opportunity to participate in Little League sports – have played in a modified youth baseball games.

According to Schuetze, “Kids get an opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing on the baseball field and being successful.”

For Little League Teams Manager Mark Davis, the Challenger Division is also an opportunity for parents of special needs children.

“At some level, what child doesn’t want to please their parents? I think the joy they’re going to see in their parents’ faces is an added value,” said Davis.

Dozens of Challenger Divisions exist across the nation. Schuetze said in Alta Loma, 86 children participate the Challenger’s Division.

The Glendora National Little League is now hoping to spread the word to local parents of special needs children. The division would be open to children in Glendora and surrounding communities such as San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona.

The division is also looking for volunteers to help coordinate games, as well donations from the community.

“We’re not looking for a minimum or maximum number of kids to sign up for the division,” said Schuetze. “We just want every kid who wants to participate to sign up.”

For more information on the Challenger Division, contact Steve Schuetze at steven.schuetze@verizon.net.

The following are upcoming signup dates for Glendora National Little League and the Challenger Division:

• Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Round Table Pizza, Foothill and Grand (following the Christmas Parade) 

• Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Frozen Ropes Baseball and Softball Training Facility, 2244 E. Route 66, Glendora

• Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - American Legion Building, 159 N. Cullen Avenue, Glendora 

• Saturday, Jan. 11 - Round Table Pizza, Foothill Boulevard and Grand Avenue