Mahaska County YMCA and Imagine the Possibilities Introduce New Adult Challenger Softball League
Mahaska County YMCA
Oskaloosa, June 6, 2013 – Imagine the Possibilities has sponsored the local youth challenger league for many years, with Little League® affiliation. Young adults are not eligible to play after high school graduation.
“Last summer, several parents talked about how sad some of the players would be to not participate anymore,” said Jeff Morris, Imagine the Possibilities Executive Director. “It made us realize how many more young adults with disabilities we are serving. Imagine the Possibilities has opened three new group homes in the past five years to expand services to young adults, and we are serving many more in other residential settings.” Imagine the Possibilities staff determined that many adults with disabilities would benefit from a softball league.
“This is a perfect opportunity for a collaborative program to serve our community,” said Dawn Collins, Mahaska County YMCA Executive Director. “The challenger league games are so much fun for players and the crowd both. The program offers important social time as well as physical activity. Recreation is important for everyone in our community, regardless of our abilities.”
Volunteers are needed for the league. “We need volunteers to provide assistance in the dug outs as well as on the field in support of players. We also would like a crowd to come out and support the league. These games are lively and applause generates a lot of excitement for everyone,” said Ryan Harkema, YMCA Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Director. Games will be held on August 4, August 18, September 8 and September 29. The games are scheduled for 2:00 pm starts at the Lacey Recreation Complex.
“The league is the result of many organizations working together. Imagine the Possibilities presented the need and the YMCA is organizing the program. William Penn University sports interns and work-study students assisted Ryan with planning and organizing the details. United Way provided critical funding for safety equipment and team uniforms so the program can be offered at no cost. Mahaska County Recreation Foundation is offering use of the Lacey Recreation Complex,” said Collins. “This is very much a group effort I am blessed to be a part of.”
For more information about the league or to volunteers, please contact Ryan Harkema at 641.673.8411. More information about the YMCA can also be found at www.mahaskaYMCA.org, or stop by the Y today at 414 North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa.
