Challenger

New recreational program allows disabled children to play baseball

When St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre took office in January, he had a vision of creating a recreational program that would allow disabled children to play baseball. Pierre teamed up with the president of the West St. Charles Little League, Holly Fonseca, and five months later children with disabilities from around the parish are playing ball.

“Mr. Pierre mentioned to me during a meeting that he wanted to provide more recreational opportunities for children with disabilities,” said Fonseca.

“I spoke with the directors of parks and recreation, Duane Foret and Theresa Theriot, and they liked the idea.”

West St. Charles Little League and the parish’s department of recreation worked together to sponsor and coordinate the Challenger program.

Fonseca says that 20 kids have registered to participate in the program, therefore the league currently has two teams each with 10 players.

Four games were scheduled for the spring season and the children are loving every minute of it.

“What an amazing experience this game was,” said Johnnie Soileau, mother of Challenger player Brodie Soileau.

“Just to see the expressions on the kids’ faces as they hit the ball, ran the bases and touched home plate is something everyone should experience.”

Brandy Pray, mother of Challenger player Caine Pray, says that overall the first game was exciting.

“I think everyone had a lot of fun and it was definitely a touching and exciting time,” said Pray.

“Out kids never get at chance to play baseball.”

The Challenger program gives the children a unique opportunity to play baseball against other children with similar abilities.

“For many of the children, our first game was the only opportunity they’ve had to ever play baseball,” said Fonseca.

Each Challenger player is assigned a “buddy” to encourage and assist them with fielding and batting.

Several friends and family members of the players also volunteer to be buddies.

Fonseca says that registration is closed for the spring season, but parents can look to register their kids in the fall.

The program is free of charge and any children between the ages of 5 and 18 with disabilities may register.

A player can be older than 18 as long as he or she is still in school.

The Challenger’s next games are scheduled for June 3 and 10 at 6 p.m. at the West Bank Bridge Park’s Dow Chemical field.

For more information, visit the parish’s recreational department online at http://www.stcharlesgov.net/departments/parks.htm.