Established September, 2012

Who is MYO? Mason Youth Organization MYO  MYO is a non profit organization that is supported by volunteers to provide youth in Mason the opportunity to participate in organized baseball and softball programs

 A program for youth with physical and developmental challenges, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.  More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program.  Provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements. Little League ® Challenger Division What is Challenger?

What is the age limit?  MYO Challenger Division will accept players between the ages of 5 to 18 (or completion of High School). How are teams formed?  Teams are formed based on a combination of age and physical ability. Who can play?  The league is designed for youth with physical and developmental challenges.

How are games played?  Challenger games can be played as tee ball, coach’s pitch, player pitch or a combination of the three. Are there different rules for Challenger?  The Challenger Division uses Little League rules with some modifications. For example every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the entire roster. Little League recommends no score be kept during games. What equipment does a player need?  Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms and safety equipment as typical Little Leaguers. MYO will provide jerseys and visors/hats and coaches will have bats and helmets for the team. Players will need a glove. The league also uses a rubber baseball.

Is Mason Challenger Division only for Mason Residents?  No. MYO will accept players from surrounding communities. When do Mason Challengers play?  In the Spring, Mason Challengers will form teams that will play from April through June.  In the Fall, Mason Challengers will participate in a 3-4 week clinic. This is an instructional clinic to allow players to learn the skills to play baseball. The Fall clinic will take place in September.

Our First Spring Season Highlights  30 players on 2 teams  Mighty Suns  Green Machines  7 Week Season  Participated in the Ohio Challenger tournament held in Butler County

Community Involvement  Coaches  Baseball Buddies  Sponsors  Adopt A Team Program

Baseball Buddies  Baseball Buddies are junior high, high school, college students or adults who help their challenged partners by enabling them to play baseball. This might include acting as guides for blind children, pushing wheelchair-bound children around the bases, or helping the Challengers bat or field the ball.

Baseball Buddies  A Buddy's job is simply to be a friend, engage the player in conversation, if possible; help him/her hit, throw, catch the ball if needed, keep the player's attention on the game, and make sure that the players are safe and that no one gets hit with a ball or bat. If you have patience, a cheerful attitude, willingness to help others, can give a “high 5”, have lots of smiles and encouragement- you qualify to be a Baseball Buddy! This becomes a rewarding experience for both the player and the Buddy. The Baseball Buddies program allows the parents of Challenger players to receive a much deserved break and cheer on their players from the stands

Baseball Buddies  Mason Challenger League has 30 Baseball Buddies  Mason Students  Mason Football Players  Mason Teacher Aids  Family members  Teachers and Students from surrounding communities

Sponsors  Sponsors support our teams and the baseball buddy program financially.  PMPC  Denise Lucky with Sibcy Cline  Their support helps cover the cost of uniforms and end of the year trophies for each player

Adopt A Team Program Groups or organizations have an opportunity to adopt a Challenger team for a game and support a team for the evening.  They are the cheerleaders for the team.  They provide extra encouragement from the stands for players.  They support players with rewards like stickers and bubbles.  They also can provide the end of game snack for a Challenger team.  This is a great way to get involved in the community and share your love of baseball with a Challenger team!

Adopt A Team Program Mason Challenger League- had 10 groups come and support the Challengers in their first season  MECC 1 st Grade Special Ed Teachers  MYO 8U Major Rangers  MECC Preschool Special Ed Group  Harris Product Group  Mason Men On a Mission  MYO 10U Rangers  The Mason Magic Baseball Team  Kirzner Family  MYO 12U Red Socks  MYO 8U Mets

Future of The Mason Challenger League  Expand number of participants  Continue to develop relationships with the schools and special need programs to get the word out  Develop community relationships to support Baseball Buddy, Sponsorship and Adopt a Team Programs

Future of The Mason Challenger League  Specialized Field  Mason Parks Foundation

Mason Challengers In the News  Channel 12 News Story, Brad Johansen June 14, 2013  Pulse Journal- Baseball Buddy story: s/mason-students-staff-help-with- challenger-little-l/nZNHg/ s/mason-students-staff-help-with- challenger-little-l/nZNHg/  Upcoming Story in the October 2013 issue of Mason Fun

How to Learn more about the Mason Challenger League    Facebook: