Town of DeWitt and Syracuse Challenger Baseball League Event

The Town of DeWitt and the Syracuse Challenger Baseball League are hosting a dinner event in support of the Challenger Field of Dreams. AOLA Partner, Tim Bonaparte, will be speaking at the event to give details about the project plans.  The 28 acres of land donated by the Carrier Corporation to the Town of DeWitt is planned to be the leading, all-inclusive outdoor multi-sports and wellness complex designed for the use and enjoyment of all residents and visitors of Central New York.  The complex will include an all-inclusive playground, tennis court, basketball courts, and multiple athletic fields including football, baseball, soccer and lacrosse.  A picnic pavilion and walking trail will also be incorporated at the facility.  More importantly, the state-of-the-art, handicap accessible fields will serve as the permanent home for Syracuse Challenger Baseball, which is a program for children between the ages of 5 and 21 with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities and other special needs. 

The Syracuse Challenger Baseball program is in its 30^th year and has experienced significant growth in the last eight years.  2012 was a landmark year with almost 220 children participating on 12 teams.  The 2013 season will see a continued expansion to 14 teams.  The program provides a safe environment for children to play, experience and enjoy the game, while also experiencing the achievement, dignity, camaraderie and independence enjoyed by all Little Leaguers. 

The building of the Willis V. Carrier Recreation Center will offer security for the future growth and success of the Syracuse Challengers and allow the children to play on their “Challenger Field of Dreams” for many years to come.