Franklin Co Little League Challenger Team Cancels First Game of Season day

The Franklin County Little League Challenger Baseball team has postponed their first game of the season.

The game was to have taken place Saturday in Canon but the City does not yet have the ball fields ready.

Team Manager Sharleen Thomas said however they will be taking pictures at 11a Saturday at the Rocky Ford Recreation Center.

Their first game of the season is now scheduled for March 11 at the Rec Department ball fields.

The Little League Challenger League is an organization for special needs children that allows them to play baseball without the strict rules of a regular Little League team.

According to their website, the Challenger League provides a safe place where individuals with disabilities can call their own.

Thomas said her team offers the only sport activity for physically or cognitively challenged children in our area.

“We are the only baseball team or for any kind of sports activity for special needs in this county and surrounding counties,” she said.”We have no rules, no regulations, no restrictions, we just have fun. And we’re going to have two leagues this year – the major league and the minor league. 10 and under will be going to Minor League.”

Thomas said no special needs child or adult with a disability is turned away from the Challenger League and each child is matched with a buddy.

The buddy gets to know your child and serves as a big brother or sister.

The parent is able to come to practice and games and other activities and enjoy watching their child play with friends and have a fun experience while building good memories.

Thomas is also asking for people and local businesses to sponsor the Franklin County Challenger League to help get the team to the region tournament in Warner Robins this year.

“I’m asking for donations or sponsors. I’m really working on getting this team to Warner Robins,” she explained. “For the last two years they haven’t been playing I expect due to COVID. And they’re starting back up. I’m praying they will get it back going. If anybody wants to donate to this year they can make their checks payable to the Franklin County Little League Association or the Challenger League.”

If you would like to get involved as a sponsor or have any questions about the Challenger League you can contact Sharleen Thomas at 706-498-6553.