Garden City, N.Y. — This past weekend, the Adelphi baseball team took part in Planview Little League's Challenger League. 

The Challenger program is Little League's adaptive baseball program for individuals aged 4-18 (up to 22 if still enrolled in school) with physical and intellectual challenges. The league provides children with an opportunity to play the game that they love. Games are typically one to two innings long and last around an hour. All players get an at bat and to play in the field. 

Coaches, parents, and anyone that would like to be a "buddy" volunteer their time to assist Challenger athletes in batting, base running and fielding if needed. 

"Sometimes as coaches and players we forget how fortunate we are to do what we do each day," assistant coach Frank Battaglia said. "Working with the Challenger League helps put things in perspective. I couldn't be more proud of our guys. They provided a ton of smiles and the players and parents were so grateful."

Equipment and uniforms are donated by local businesses so families pay zero. There are several Long Island Little Leagues that include a Challenger League and a few that provide the Senior League Challenger Division, which accommodates players 15 years old and above with no maximum age. 

"Participating in the Plainview Challenger League was a very rewarding experience for the whole team and I," senior infielder Jack Wishner said. "It's a reminder of the power of community and how easy it is to help others.  Watching these young athletes shine on the field reinforces the idea that every player deserves a chance to play and be celebrated. It was a privilege to witness their joy while playing the game of baseball."