Challenger Day at TSI

Each year TSI comes together with the Henrico Education Foundation, I Have A Dream Foundation – Richmond, Henrico County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Henrico County Public Schools to host Challenger Day. This annual event introduces students with significant disabilities to the fundamentals of baseball and softball.

Fun games are played outdoors on Challenger Field at Tuckahoe Park and indoors in the TSI Training Center because these fields provide a safe surface for play.

Planning starts months ahead with a dedicated team of volunteers who look forward to this day. As a result, attendance has grown year over year with schools sending in registrations early to make sure to get on the list! This year the event was held on Thursday, October 17, 2019, bringing together students from 22 Henrico County Elementary Schools.

Students are entertained with games, crafts, therapy dogs, mascots and game stations. TSI’s indoor field is transformed with an obstacle course, parachutes, bowling, soccer and other games with kids rotating through the facility.

More than 350 students attended and volunteers from Capital One, TSI staff, and Henrico Recreation & Parks all interact at stations to make the day special.

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.

This is another piece of the nonprofit side of Tuckahoe Sports focused on giving back to our community. This event allows the TSI staff to share this exceptional facility with kids who appreciate this extra special day!

Below are a few pictures from Challenger Day: