Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the Town of Oyster Bay has once again been selected to host the Long Island Challenger Baseball Jamboree at John J. Burns Town Park, located on Merrick Road in Massapequa. The special event brings together Challenger teams for a fun day of baseball. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5 with registration beginning at 1 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m.
“The Town Board and I are very proud of the Town’s commitment to youth athletics and especially our work to provide children with special needs the opportunity to play organized sports,” said Venditto. “We are very pleased that the Long Island Challenger Baseball Jamboree is returning to John J. Burns Town Park.”
Challenger Baseball is a Little League-sanctioned program that was established in 1989, and gives physically and mentally challenged children the opportunity to play baseball. Adaptations are made to accommodate boys and girls with physical and mental challenges. For example, “buddies” will encourage players to bat and make the plays themselves, but will also assist when necessary. Fields are set up to accommodate adaptive devices and games are structured so that all players participate and the game is an enjoyable activity.
“The Town’s Challenger fields are just one of the many features that make the Town of Oyster Bay a great place to live and raise a family,” said Venditto. “We are happy to provide this setting for these young athletes so they may enjoy all the fun aspects of playing organized baseball and learn the skills of commitment, dedication, teamwork and good sportsmanship. The way the Challenger players overcome their challenges, to play this great game, is truly inspirational and I am proud that the Town is associated with this program.”
Al Friese, Commissioner of the Massapequa Coast Little League’s Challenger Division, said that teams across Long Island are scheduled to participate and Little League officials from throughout the country are expected to attend and be a part of the huge success that the Long Island Challenger Baseball Jamboree has become. In addition, there will be games, inflatable rides and food for the participants. Also, at 3 p.m., magician John Lepre will perform his act that delighted the audience at last year’s Jamboree.
“The Long Island Challenger Jamboree is a terrific event that Challenger players and their families eagerly look forward to each year,” said Friese. “Supervisor Venditto and the Town of Oyster Bay do a wonderful job working with us to present this event and bring much joy to Challenger players.”
