Back in 1989 Little League Baseball realized how important it is to encourage all kids, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, to get out on the field and play. And that’s how the idea for the Challenger Division was born.
Establishing the Challenger Division of Little League allows children with mental and physical disabilities to experience the same benefits of baseball as typical children; from learning camaraderie to taking turns, cheering to patience.
Kids are encouraged to play as much of the game as they can and to get as involved as possible, but they are also teamed up with a “buddy” who helps them bat, run, and just have fun. The buddy lets the player do all they can be themselves and is always nearby to help when needed.
So what does this have to with music? Well, everything needs a theme song, doesn’t it? Tony Chironno, father to Nicky, a Challenger Baseball player, asked his friend, Ben Rudnick, to help him compose an original song about Challenger Baseball and all the kids playing. Tony and Ben co-wrote the lyrics and Ben Rudnick and Friends composed the music and performed the song.
You can learn more about the song, listen to a sample, and purchase the Challenger Baseball CD on the Ben Rudnick and Friends website. The CD costs $10 and the proceeds are used to raise funds for the Challenger Division and cover costs of equipment, field rentals, and umpires.
If you are involved in the Challenger Division, you can contact Ben Rudnick and Friends to purchase the CDs for $4 each (with a ten disc minimum) which you can then sell at $10 each (or more) in order to raise funds for the program.
Listen to the CD, enjoy the music, and support a great cause!
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