By Zeke Torres
Jul 2, 2021 | 11:40 PM
PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) After having its season canceled last year due to players being at high risk for COVID-19, the Little League Challengers of East Central Illinois are getting closer to opening day.
The organization provides kids with special needs a chance to play baseball in a safe environment.
Every player bats, runs the bases and scores, and there are no outs. Alongside each player is a “buddy” or volunteer that assists each player, whether it be hitting or base running.
Since being developed as a branch of the Challengers League’s national organization, East Central Illinois has seen a continuous increase in player enrollment that expands to areas outside of Paris, Ill.