Lead the Challenge is a softball league in on the south side of Indianapolis, Franklin Township. Established in 1997, the league was created to bring a quality sports experience to children and young adults with physical and mental challenges.
The overall goal of Lead The Challenge is to share the joy and camaraderie of team sports with children who have special needs. The organization aims to create new friends, have athletes share in competition and get a little muddy on the field. Another secondary benefit is that caregivers, parents, siblings and other relatives and family friends get to watch their child bat, run the bases, play and field and just have fun!Four teams of ten players with a wide range of physical and mental challenges play in a the league. Each player is paired with a peer player for the duration of the game. Managers and coaches run and supervise the game, players, peers, and any other situation that may arise. Modified rules make the game accessible to all players. The league uses a special safety ball and there have been no injuries since 1997.Games are played on the grounds of Wanamaker Elementary School in Franklin Township. Ten games are played each season from the end of April through the end of June. Games start at 1:00pm each Sunday afternoon during the season. Each player is paired with a peer player for the duration of the game. Volunteer coaches supervise the game and players. A vital set of volunteers prepares the ball diamonds prior to each game day and stay after clean up. The administration staff supervises registration, trophy orders, and the final picnic. Check out Lead the Challenge’s Facebook page for more information.