Preston Reid is hoping every youngster in the area has a chance to play Little League baseball this spring.
And Clifton Forge Little League, through the Challenger Program, is hoping to offer that chance.
Tuesday at the old Clifton Forge West school, now called the Moody Building on Jefferson Street, the group hopes to start the baseball rolling.
At 7 p.m., an informal information gathering session will be held for anyone wanting to find out about the program.
“The main thing is that we need parents to jump in and help,” said Reid, who has been selected as the Vice-President of Challenger Baseball in Clifton Forge Little League. “That’s what it will take to make this work.”
Little League’s Challenger division was established in 1989 and aims to give mentally and physically challenged boys and girls the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of participation in a Little League program structured to their abilities.
The Challenger division welcomes participants ages 5 to 18, or anyone still enrolled in high school.
In addition to learning the game of baseball, the value of the division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
The division uses a buddy system.
Each participant is offered a buddy that helps protect the Challenger player and assists in any way necessary.
Buddies are a vital part of the program and can be parents, adults or even players in other Little League divisions.
Covington Little League started a Challenger program in 1990 and the league ran for about five years, said Clint Collins.
“It’s a great program,” said Collins, who has worked in various aspects of Little League, including serving as the Challenger State Director. “I really hope they can get it going again.”
Reid remembers taking notice of a Challenger game years ago.
“I remember watching a game and really admiring the program,” Reid said. “And since I’ve become handicapped, it’s become more important to me.”
The closest current Challenger program is in Roanoke.
“If we don’t have enough, we will try and go in with Roanoke,” Reid added. “But our goal is to do our own right here in the area. We welcome anyone from Covington, Clifton Forge, Bath County or Rockbridge County.”
For more information on the Challenger program, contact Reid at 969-6374 or check the Little League national website at www.LittleLeague.org.