Moving into 2007

The IFPAA Challenger Division sports league is entering into its 15^th year of providing sports activities to special needs school agers and young adults.  Originating in 1992 with approximately 80 to100 families with children involved in a variety of special needs our league has decreased somewhat but has retained many of its earliest members in the program.  Because of this we have had the pleasure of helping our athletes grow into active young adults.  Parents with inventive ideas and high expectations have encouraged our athletes to develop their skills and accomplish successful growth in sports such as basketball, deck hockey and baseball.  Utilizing the expertise of talented parents these sports have been modified to ensure safety while promoting fun, success, excitement, camaraderie, skill building and improved self esteem.

As we move into 2007, Challenger Sports is beginning its Basketball Program located at Marshall Middle School.  All Challenger Sports programs are held on Sunday afternoons 2:00pm to 4:00pm and run for 10 week sessions.  Baseball, played at Blueberry Park, generally begins the last Sunday of April through the end of June.  After some time off for summer break, our fall session kicks in with deck hockey played at Marshall Middle school on an outdoor court.

Over recent years the Challenger Division experienced a decrease in participation of younger athletes.  To resolve this dilemma, IFPAA Challenger Division partnered with Reserve Township where there was an opportunity to serve a greater number of athletes.  This has allowed our Challenger league to accommodate teen and young adults.  When Reserve Challenger athletes reach a certain age and skill level, they are welcome to transfer to the IFPAA Challenger league.  This arrangement has been very successful and has enabled us to provide fun and successful athletic experiences to many special athletes.

by Sue ( Kern ) Ross