Challengers wrap up second season

Sean McGowan posed with his buddies Alex Bruno and Page Aromiskis

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Ducks mascot Quacker Jack visited the kids after the game.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Julia Modico, 10, ran to first base with her buddies Abby Bruno, left, and Nicole Cummins.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Charlie Butler hit off the tee.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

The Challengers celebrate their final game, and accept a check from the Lions Club that will fund the league for three more seasons.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

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The Rockville Centre Little League Challenger Division concluded its second season on June 15 at Hickey Field, in a game sponsored by the Rockville Centre Lions Club, EKC Abstract and Infant and Toddler Interventionists.

More than 275 players, families, coaches and spectators turned out to watch the finale for the division, which provides developmentally and physically challenged athletes, paired with buddy volunteers, the opportunity to experience the game of baseball firsthand.

“It is impossible not to be moved by the enthusiasm and enjoyment displayed by these athletes,” said Tom Bucaria, president of the Little League.

After the game, the Lions Club served hot dogs and popcorn, and Ralph’s Ices provided gift certificates for the players and their families, while Quacker Jack, the mascot for the Long Island Ducks, waved hello to the crowd.

The Lions Club also presented Challengers commissioners Gene Kirley and Mike Lawless with a donation of $5,000 dollars from their recent “Dinner in the Dark” event, which honored longtime Little League board member Don Steinert and former League president Bob Klein. The League estimates that the money will continue to fund the Challenger division for the next three years.