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September 30, 2021
By Mike Kruzman / [email protected]
It was a display of sportsmanship and inclusion in youth athletics at the Cleary University Diamond.
Lake Trust Stadium was the home ground for the Howell Area Junior Baseball Association Challenge League game on Wednesday. About 100 fans attended the event which was supported by the Howell High School pom team and the Cleary softball team.
On the field, two teams comprising players with unique medical and / or learning needs were able to hit baseball, run bases and flash gloves on the field for 2 innings under the lights shining in the twilight sky.
Dr Sarah Dunkel-Jackson, also known as “Coach Sarah,” said they had come up with the idea as HAJBA coaches in the past when some children with special needs came to play, but may have come to play. – to be found the season a little too difficult. She said this spawned the idea that there should be a league specific to their needs, and with parents wondering if a league like this existed, they decided to set it up.
Dunkel-Jackson said it had been “so much fun” with everyone from parents to “Baseball Buddies” peer mentors being so supportive. Challenge League participants have spent the past few weeks practicing baseball challenges, all culminating in Wednesday’s game.
After the game, the players all ran to home plate to applause from those in attendance to receive another standing ovation and special gifts from Arc Livingston, one of the league’s sponsors.
Dunkel-Jackson said they hope to revamp the Challenge League next year, both in the spring and in the fall. Players, coaches and volunteers are all sought after and should check the HAJBA website for opportunities and updates as they are posted.
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