State Life Program Award Winner - St. Mary of the Hills Council #13950
- Mon, Jun 2, 2025 1:25 PM
Congratulations to the 2025 State Life Program Award Winner - St. Mary of the Hills Council # 13950 for their project to build a new Little League Challenger Division field for those with special needs!
The Special Olympic Initiative was introduced by the State Council under Life. This initiative involved the raising of funds to help build an A.D.A. compliant baseball field for Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division Senior League. The goal was to raise $75,000 to complete the building of the field. Doing so would give Neil Reid Park two diamonds for those with special needs. Should we accomplish this goal, the Knights of Columbus could name the Senior League Field. This program benefits those with special needs by providing a facility where they can play baseball. The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball is designed for mentally and physically disabled youth 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' selfesteem, 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. The intent of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play baseball regardless of limitations. The significance of this new baseball diamond is best expressed by one of the athletes when asked why she loves baseball. The athlete told her mom that playing baseball gives the players an opportunity to feel "normal." The construction of the new A.D.A. compliant baseball field strengthened the relationship between the Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division Senior League and the Community Parks and Recreation Department. Moreover, the new baseball field will bring to light in the public eye the extent of involvement of the Knights of Columbus MI Drive and the organization’s commitment and support to those who have special needs.
To read the complete program book, click here: 2025 State Life Program Award Winner Book