Special needs youths encouraged to join Challenger Baseball

OAK RIDGE — The Jefferson Township Recreation Department is offering its baseball Little League Challenger Division for the special needs youths of the township again this spring.
Registration is now open, and the registration fee—which includes a jersey, cap and award—has been waived due to fundraising efforts. Registration to play, manage, umpire, assistant coach, be a team parent or become a “buddy” to a player is online through Community Pass. Registration information flyers can be downloaded from www.jeffersontownship.net; click on “Residents” tab to “Forms Center” and then to “Recreation Department.”
Registration for this program is only online through Community Pass so log on to https://register.communitypass.net/reg/index.cfm. If you have an account, sign in; if not, follow the prompts to set one up. In either case, chose “Winter-Spring Season 2018” to register.
If you experience difficulty in registering online, you can log on to www.jeffersontownhip.net, click on the “Form Center” link on the left side of the home page, and scroll down to the Recreation Department to find “Instructions,” with step-by-step directions. If you still need assistance, contact the Recreation office at 973-663-8404, ext. 4 or cpunturieri@jeffersontownship.net for assistance.
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy the game along with the millions of other children who participate worldwide. Boys and girls ages 5 to 18 (or the completion of high school) with physical or mental challenges are invited to participate. Scott Luker, a resident of Jefferson Township, will return as director of the league.
Players can participate at tee ball, coach-pitch or player-pitch levels, with the option to use the “buddy” system for assistance on the field. Players wear the same uniforms and use the same equipment as other Little Leaguers, every player on the roster plays the entire game and no score is kept. The program has been proven therapeutic, strengthens self-esteem, encourages teamwork and sportsmanship, and provides a new avenue of socialization.
For information about Jefferson’s league contact Luker at 973-270-8356 or airforceonenjllc@gmail.com.