An awards presentation and year-end picnic took place on Saturday, July 18 as Westside Challenger Baseball wrapped up its fifth season. A record 54 players participated every Saturday morning starting the end of May at Nietopski Field at the Town of Sweden Park. What a great season for the players, families, friends, coaches and volunteers. Each game was filled with fun, laughter and camaraderie. The Saturday, June 20 game was played at Frontier Field. The players and their families were also treated to a Rochester Red Wing game on June 29 as guest of their season ticket holders. After each game, all the players and their families and friends, along with their assisting “buddies” are treated to snacks. The season ended with each player being recognized and presented a Championship Trophy at the Awards Ceremony.
There is no charge for any family to have their children with disabilities, ages 5 through 18, play Westside Challenger Baseball because of the generous donations made by: the Rochester Press-Radio Club, Brockport Five Star Bank, Brockport Wal-Mart, Reliant Community Credit Union, Rochester Police Locust Club, Brockport Lions Club, Brockport Kiwanis Club, UR Strong West, Kendall Lions Club, Brockport Rotary Club, Learning Disabilities Association, USA Ultimate Sports and Apparel, Sweden Community Foundation, Ferris-Goodridge Auxiliary, Baxter Health Care, Paul Wheat and the Stetson Club of the Brockport Police Department, Mark Gaisser and Dominos Pizza, and many individual donors. These sponsors cover all the cost including uniforms, equipment, field rental, insurance, food and trophies. Westside Challenger Baseball would not exist without the generous commitment of sponsors. We thank them so much.
Thanks also to the players and coaches of the Brockport Bisons Baseball for always being there to serve as “buddies.” Special appreciation to Charlie Hage, Tony Parrino, Joe, Pam and Jill Setak, Westside News, Todd Dobson, Roger Evans, Colby Jones, Anthony Gugino and Photos by Bruce for their continued assistance during the season. Game announcers Kerri Noyes, Karen Zyra, Bev Milner and Susan Myers, along with coaches Steve Noyes, Bob Jones, Darren Zyra, Kate Jacobs and Mike Myers kept things moving along on the field. Food coordinators Marge and Wayne Zyra were always ready with treats for everyone after each game. Westside Challenger Baseball organizers Jack and Bev Milner, Mike and Susan Myers and Wayne and Marge Zyra have already started planning for next season to provide quality baseball and fun for children with disabilities in the area.
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