Tuckahoe Sports Foundation takes Leadership role in Annual Challenger Day Event
Tuckahoe Sports pulled together a wide variety of partners for the 13th year of this annual event. The weather cooperated with a beautiful, crisp October day during which 271 elementary school exceptional education students from 15 different schools participated. The students were accompanied by 32 program teachers as well as a host of instructional assistants along with volunteers from some key Tuckahoe Sports partners including: Atlantic Union Bank, First Citizens Bank, the Flying Squirrels, RCG Advisors, Tuckahoe Little League, Thrivent Financial and University of Richmond’s Baseball Team.
Together volunteers manned stations in Tuckahoe Park and also within the TSI Training Center for a wide variety of experiences bringing smiles to all attendees.
From playing baseball, learning to throw, hit and run the bases, painting, experiencing a sensory tunnel, face painting and therapy dogs, the children traveled throughout the park with a cheer team greeting them at each new station. Thrivent Financial provided funding for each student to receive “Dugout Hero”, a baseball themed book which allowed them to take a memory of the event home with them.
“Being able to pick up the mantle for this special event that embodies our mission of providing access to youth sports for all is an exciting new chapter for the work that our staff does thru the Tuckahoe Sports Foundation . We look forward to this event every year and know how much the students appreciate the activity and fun. Our partners bring a vitality that makes this event special, greeting students at each station with enthusiasm and a smile. Sport is something that brings people together and everyone can participate in – we are so grateful for the opportunities this event creates for our staff, our partners and most of all the students! – Executive Director, Lesa Williams
The annual event introduces the fundamentals of baseball with a focus on introducing them to the Challenger Program, a recreational softball/baseball program which is run through Tuckahoe Little League. Challenger Field, a specific field that ensures the safety of these participants, was funded through a partnership between Tuckahoe Sports Foundation and Henrico County.
TSI’s indoor field is transformed to include throwing, hitting and agility skill stations with students rotating stations with TSI coaches and staff. Visits from Flying Squirrels Nutzy adds to the fun and is a favorite for sure.
Mark your calendar! 2025 Challenger Day will be held in October date TBD
Planning starts months ahead with a dedicated team of volunteers including TSI partners Atlantic Union Bank , Team RCG Advisors, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Churchhill Downs Incorporated, First Citizens Bank and The Wawa Foundation, as well as many volunteers who look forward to this day.
Volunteers/Donations will support the 2025 event.
If you would like to be involved in this special event for exceptional education students, please contact Lesa Williams via the following form:
Challenger Day is an offshoot of the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball. The Challenger Division is a league for children with cognitive and physical disabilities. In addition, this program provides participants with some of the benefits of athletic competition: exercise, socialization, teamwork, sportsmanship, and self-esteem.
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