TLC’s Challenger Division Game Hits a Home Run

On October 24, Academy’s TLC went to Palma Ceia Little League to play softball with The Challenger Division. The Challenger Division is a separate division of Little League team that allows girls and boys with physical and mental disabilities from ages 4 to 22 to play, as long as they are currently enrolled in school. The teams are not set up by the age of the children playing, but by their ability. 

Photo Credits: Twitter/AHN TLC Samantha Stagg smiles as her buddy makes it to first base!
Photo Credits: Twitter/AHN TLC Samantha Stagg smiles as her buddy makes it to first base!

The TLC girls ran the bases with the players, stood with them in the outfield, and helped them bat if necessary. Every year, TLC has to complete one service event during the Fall and Spring. They decided on The Challenge Division for their service event because they knew it would be fun and beneficial to everyone involved. Junior and TLC member, Emily Orama described the game and overall experience as “eye opening to work with kids who face these difficulties.” 

Photo Credits: Twitter/AHN TLC Christina Thompson and her buddy hug at the end of a fun game!
Photo Credits: Twitter/AHN TLC
Christina Thompson and her buddy hug at the end of a fun game!

Many Academy girls think it is great that these girls are going out and helping other kids have fun on their free time. Sophomores, Priscilla Santiago and Amber Pedregal think, ” it’s a great way to keep the kids active while having fun at the same time.”  Some girls believe every club should get their students to complete a service project during the Fall and the Spring. Isabella Oaken, a member of the sophomore class, said “most children with disabilities never get a chance like that. It’s so sweet!”