MELBOURNE, Fla. — The swinging of the bats hitting the ball has been a sound on the fields around the county for many years. However, as with many leagues that kids play sports in, those who have special needs often don’t feel like they fit in. This was until the Challenger league was born.

In 2006, Viera Suntree Little League (VSLL) Board Member Charlie Crawford approached the board with an idea: Start a Challenger Division in Spring 2007. This would coincide with the opening of Viera Regional Park. He has a special needs daughter and knew there was a league with the same name that started nationally in 1989. The Challenger League is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for children with physical and intellectual challenges. The board was unanimous and even though they had no idea what they were doing, they knew they would figure it out.

One thing the board did know was this league would include uniforms, equipment, and all the amenities that players in a non-Challenger program would have access to. Unlike other leagues, registration is always open and there is no cost to the parents.

Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4 to 18, or up to age 22 if they are still enrolled in school. Kids do not need to have any previous experience and they practice at Viera Regional Park softball fields.

VSLL Challenger has chosen not to divide by age, but rather they play as one large team. This is because the league feels the kids benefit from being together as a single team, rather than separated. When it is time for competition, then they are split into two teams and play an inter-squad “game.” The coaches make an effort to interact with the kids so the kids want to be there.

When they don’t play inter-squad games, they are playing other teams. There are a couple of teams in North Brevard that they hope they will get to play this season. The league has also traveled to Clearwater to participate in the Florida Challenger Jamboree. Additionally, they have been invited twice to represent Florida in Warner Robbins, GA. in a Challenger exhibition during Regional competition.

Some kids are shy when they come out to the fields. Dave Zavetz, VP of the Challenger league says, “Some players are comfortable right out of the gate. Some players have to ease into it. We have learned how to accommodate them all. Our “games” are not what you would imagine “games” would be. We have adapted our routine to match the needs of the players. We play to every child’s abilities and celebrate all of their successes.”

The Challenger buddy program is one of a kind. VSLL players or area students and adults volunteer to help the athletes on the field by ensuring safety, offering support and encouragement, and teaching them the game of baseball.

The buddies love this program and many of them have gone on to careers working with children through adults who are special needs. One is Zavetz’s daughter, Jenna. She was a buddy for 9 years and recently earned a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy with a goal to work with special needs kids. Zavetz says every participant, whether it is a player, buddy, or coach, leaves with a smile and a story. His family has memories of sitting at the dinner table on Saturday evenings and telling Challenger stories from the morning. These special needs children have had a major impact on his family.

There is a lot of learning that goes on between the volunteer buddies and the Challenger players. The buddies learn that coming out on Saturday mornings is more than just accumulating volunteer hours. Zavetz says, “They learn acceptance and more importantly empathy. In some cases, they choose a career path and they learn that our Challenger kids are really no different than they are. They just want to come out and have fun and having special needs does not mean lack of intelligence or athletic ability.” He adds that the Challenger players meet new kids and make new friends. The coaches have heard there have been instances in the school of the Challenger buddies making a point of helping/sitting with/hanging out with players in school.

Let’s meet the coaches in this league:

Coach Michele Zavetz

Coach Zavetz calls her the brains of the operation and that she is masterful at “herding cats.” She is militant about safety and in 14 seasons, they have never had a player injury. She is also the “Mom” to all of the players as they seek her out for a hug. Coach Zavetz believes that special needs = special gifts.

Coach Dave Zavetz

He is known as the “skills teacher.” He has managed Little League teams, 2 Little League All-Star State Championship teams, travel ball, and High School teams. He doesn’t treat the Challenger kids differently. He sees what they can do and then he pushes them to do a bit more.

Coach Bob Schweiger

Bob is a retiree who found the league after Florida Today ran a story about them about 10 years ago. He came out to help and has been with them ever since. Bob has a special bond with one of the long-time players, Becky. His wife, Toni, makes cookies for the kids every Saturday.

Coach Angie Taylor

Angie is the owner of Taylor Made Therapies (who is their sponsor). She is really the only coach who has work experience in special needs. Her sons were long-time buddies before they went away to college.

Registration never closes and they accept any player, any time. They do not ask what the player’s challenges are and if they want to play, they can play. Buddies are always welcome and everyone has a place.

The Challenger League is a wonderful organization that welcomes anyone who is interested in playing or volunteering. If you are interested in learning more about this league or volunteering, check out the Challenger League Facebook page at Viera Suntree Little League Challenger Division

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