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Lake Zurich Baseball & Softball Association is proud to continue participating in the Little League Challenger Program.  The Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with intellectual, behavioral, and/or physical challenges.

Who Can participate in the Lake Zurich Challenger Program?

Any child between the ages of 4 to 18 or 22, if enrolled in a school program, with intellectual, behavioral, and/or physical challenges may participate.  Please contact Dave Schmeltzer, Challenger President,  for additional information on individuals over 18.

What rules are followed during a Challenger game?

Flexibility and adaptability are key during Challenger games.   Little League provides all chartered teams with a rulebook that includes a best practice guide to operating a Challenger Game.  Typically, games are 1-2 innings long and last about an hour.  All players play defensively and bat every inning.  The game is catered to the abilities of each individual player in a co-ed, non-competitive athletic environment.  No score is kept and no outs are recorded, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants.

What are “buddies” and what role do they have in the Challenger Division?

Buddies are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in the areas of batting, base running, and defense, as needed. Often buddies are peer athletes participating in the Little League Baseball or Softball program.

We are looking for volunteers from Lake Zurich and the surrounding community, ages 11 and older, who want to be part of the Challenger program and assist a player.

The buddy would help the player in practices and games this spring and/or fall.

Applicants are expected to be buddies to Challenger players on the field, at school, and in the community.  Applicants should be buddies to Challenger players on and off the field, all the time.

If you want to volunteer to become a Buddy, please REGISTER HERE today!