Challenger League

The Little League Challenger Division® was founded in 1989 and is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Mill Valley Little League’s Challenger Program began in 2008, when 11-year-old Tyler Barbee, seeking a way to enjoy baseball with his autistic older brother, founded the Marin Challenger League.  By 2014, Tyler had grown his program into PAASS – “Project Awareness And Special Sports”, a program that advocates for the inclusion of the special needs community in extracurricular activities and sports.  Through PAASS, players age 5 – 21 can participate in a variety of sports, including baseball.

Together with high school and middle school volunteers, PAASS works with participants to teach them the mechanics of sports and support recreational programs. PAASS volunteers socially engage participants developing long lasting bonds and relationships. Coaches oversee participants and volunteers to help coordinate games and classes. Since its inception, PAASS has connected participants, volunteers, coaches, and parents together to build a community of support, awareness, and acceptance. 

To learn more about whether Challenger League baseball is appropriate for your player, please contact Janet Miller at [email protected].  Also check out the PAASS website here:  https://www.projectawarenessandspecialsports.org/.  You can register for Challenger League through the Mill Valley Little League registration portal.  Through the generosity of sponsors and the PAASS non-profit organization itself, Challenger League is free to participants.

Want to help out?  Volunteering for Challenger League through PAASS is a rewarding experience!  Go to https://www.projectawarenessandspecialsports.org/volunteer to find out about volunteer opportunities and to sign up.