The Washington District 8 Challenger Program was started in 1991 by Gary and Bev Newsome to give players with intellectual and physical disabilities a chance to play ball. Today, the Challenger Program flourishes with two divisions: Challenger (ages 4-8) and Senior Challenger (ages 15-99), with over 100 players throughout the greater Seattle area. The program is supported by the 12 Little Leagues making up Washington District 8, as well as the Seattle Mariners, who continue to create special memories for these players.
KEY DATES
- Registration opens November/December 2025.
- Registration closes on late March/early April 2026.
- Practices/games begin in mid-April 2026.
- An end-of-season Challenger Jamboree will take place in mid-to-late June 2025.
History of the Challenger ProgramChallenger FAQ