For the 13th year in a row, volunteers and members of Little League Challenger Division® programs across California came together for a weekend of fun at the West Region Challenger Fun Days in San Bernardino, California, on May 18 and 19. The event was free for all participants thanks to the support of Gatorade and Stater Bros.
“The greatest part of the Challenger Fun Days is that it lets all the participants interact with their peers and be comfortable with who they are,” said Jeff Miller, co-chair of the West Region Challenger Fun Days. “The players play their game as a team but, afterword, they enjoy the carnival, swimming pool, crafts, and their meals as a large group of friends. Putting on this event with my co-chair and volunteers brings so much joy; seeing everyone smiling, laughing and having a good time. It is a really good feeling knowing I had a part in making that happen.”
This year, the Jamboree saw approximately 200 players from Little League Challenger Division programs in the High Desert, Riverside, Corona, Imperial Valley, Chula Vista, and Tijuana, and featured a full slate of baseball games, carnival games, prizes, swimming, basketball, and other activities for all the participants. The Jamboree helps provide an opportunity for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges a chance to participate in Little League, to excel in certain facets of the program, and to have fun in an exciting environment.
“Challenger Jamborees, like the West Region Challenger Fun Days in California, create tremendous opportunities for the players in our Challenger Divisions to come together, experience the tournament atmosphere, and create lifelong memories,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Director of the Challenger Division. “We are grateful to Gatorade and Stater Bros. for their support of the Western Region Challenger Fun Days to ensure that all children and their families can have the opportunity to have a fun, meaningful experience on the Little League fields at our Western Regional headquarters in San Bernardino.”
Little League International works closely with its national sponsors to help provide valuable support for local Little League programs around the world, including initiatives like this to support Challenger Division participants and families with free entry to the West Region Challenger Fun Days.
For more information on getting involved with the Challenger Division and making a difference in the lives of young athletes, email [email protected].