COVER STORY

extended to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. When it comes to sports, inclusion means creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, can participate and enjoy the benefits that come with being part of a team.

Kyle had the idea to start a division that was inclusive under the Liberty Lake Spokane Valley Little League Chapter and approached the board with the idea in early 2023. Steve Raab, Liberty Lake Spokane Valley Little League Chapter President, was supportive of the idea if there was someone to coach and organize the division. Kyle stepped up to coach and brought his wife Alaina, a special education teacher, on board to help support the kids and how to talk with the parents and provide structure.

“We want every kid to play ball. And we were missing that. A group of kids couldn’t play ball and I wanted to provide that opportunity for them. And I knew how to make it happen and someone needed to do it, so I stepped up. My son wants to be like his brothers,” Kyle shares about the decision to begin coaching a new division. “You can tell he wants to be like them. He loves them. He goes to all their games. I wanted to make it so that he could feel like he had his own team.”

Including players with disabilities in sports has numerous benefits, for both for the participants and their “buddy teammate”, as well as for the community. For the players, being part of a team can provide a sense of belonging and social connection that is often difficult to achieve in other settings. Playing sports can also help individuals with disabilities to develop physical skills, coordination, and confidence, which can translate into other areas of their lives.

A Buddy teammate is paired up with each Challenger player on the day of the game. They are volunteer players from other teams with in the Liberty Lake Spokane Valley Little League. By pairing each player on the Challenger team with a non-disability teammate, called a Buddy, the children are given the opportunity to form a meaningful connection with someone who may be different from themselves. This allows them to learn about and appreciate the unique challenges and abilities of their teammate, and to develop a sense of empathy and understanding that can carry over into other areas of their lives. Additionally, it helps to break down barriers and promote a culture of inclusivity, where everyone is valued and respected for who they are.

For the community and society, inclusion in sports helps to break down stereotypes and promote a more accepting and understanding culture. It shows that individuals with disabilities are just as capable of contributing to society and achieving great things as anyone else.

When Kyle posted the original interest post on the Liberty Lake Community Facebook page, he instantly received positive feedback and started having parents share interest in signing up for the team. They opened registration in the beginning of February 2023 and all 16 spots were filled.

A typical Little League is divided by age, but in the Challengers division, all ages are welcome. The players, both girls and boys, span in age from 4 to 18. The children have varying disabilities and are setting a powerful example of inclusion in sports. By creating a space where every child can participate and thrive, they are showing that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of their ability. They are helping to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive and accepting culture, one game at a time.

In the future, the division registration will open in early January and will close early in March.

The Inaugural Game

The first time that the Challengers assembled as a team was on April 15th 2023 in Liberty Lake, they were given uniforms and placed on one of two teams. The two teams that make up the Challenger Division are the Blue Jays and the Cardinals. This initial practice was more like a meet and greet for all the competitors and their parents. “The main point was to get the kids on the field. Have them interact with each other and give us a chance to talk with the parents,” Kyle explains that the first meeting was a success. “We

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Continued from page 11 understand that every kid is going to be unique and different. Some might struggle, but we get it. My son is on the team and we’ve been there.”

Kyle’s oldest son is on the team and Kyle was excited to see him feel like it was his team, “I saw my son playing catch with a student he had went to school with a long time ago and they were playing catch for over ten minutes! We didn’t have to watch them; they were just having fun!” Kyle shares the excitement that his players had when receiving their uniform. “They immediately put them on and started taking pictures together. I wasn’t expecting how happy they would be to get their own uniform. They were so happy and proud!”

The Challengers played their first game on Saturday, April 22nd on a field at Liberty Lake Creek Elementary.

The players arrived in their blue or red uniform, ready to play ball on the bright and sunny morning. It was the perfect weather for the Challengers Division inaugural game. The players were paired up with their Buddies who would help them go from base to base and help give them support when needed.

In the morning, Kyle's son Beau was the first to bat. As the ball was pitched to him, Beau swung the bat and connected with a loud snap, sending the ball soaring high over the heads of the other players. The ball soared through the air, spinning and twisting as the players and spectators looked up in wonder as it flew in a high arc, allowing Beau the chance to throw down the bat and run to first base.

Beau made it safely to first base after an outfielder caught it and sent it flying back to the pitcher.

“I just want him to be able to play,” Kyle and his wife are advocates for inclusion, “And just having him out there and having the opportunity to play feels good.” Kyle shared the sentiment prior to the game and was all smiles as Beau hit the ball and sent it flying.

Justin Pessin is a parent of a player on the Cardinals team in the Challenger division and was present for the game on Saturday. When asked what it was like to be at the field watching his child he shared, “I think its great! It’s a great opportunity for all the kids. I think its also a positive thing for the community to be able to bring all these kids together and having the other kids come and help teach them how to play the game. This is [my child’s] first time experiencing any type of organized sport. I coach at Central Valley High School and it’s wonderful being able to see him and all the kids out there. It’s important to see them out there with a sense of normalcy and getting to have that experience.” Justin is a Spokane Valley resident and makes the trip out to Liberty Lake so that his child can be a team member on the Challenger division.

Eric Harter is the father of Avi, a player on the Blue Jay team. Avi was the second hitter of the morning and after a swing, her bat connected with ball and sent it flying. “It’s incredible. We were super happy to hear that something like this existed. Because in middle school and high school, yes she does have a chance to be a part of it, but not really play on the team. This gives her an outlet and is something to keep her active. She surprised us all. I thought she was going to pick the batting T, but instead choose to have the ball pitched to her and she hit the ball and ran to first base. She’ll be talking about it for weeks!”

Members of the public are welcomed to watch the Challengers play each Saturday through May 20th at the diamond field at the Liberty Creek Elementary School.