The first ever Baseball League for children with special needs in Polk County -- the Adventure League -- has merged with Rockmart/Polk County Little League as The Challenger League.

This merger takes place in spring 2009, and The Adventure League will then be Polk County Challenger League. The Challenger League is a Nationally recognized division of Little League.

"The Challenger Division of Little League is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities," organizers said in a statement. "More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program.

The Little League Challenger Division provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.”

Sign-ups began last Saturday and continue on the following dates and times, at Dean Field in Rockmart:

Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Participants may also sign up online at:

Also Online at www.eteamz.com

For more about the league, see www.littleleague.org