There is a first time for everything, and as the volunteers and participants at the inaugural Georgia State Little League Challenger Jamboree experienced, special moments and memories are what you make of them whenever they come. Peachtree City Little League's Field of Hope, a synthetic field designed for players with disabilities, was the site of the event that welcomed 12 Challenger Division teams from Milford Little League (District 2), Rabun County D7 Little Leagues (District 7) and Peachtree City Little League (District 4). "The first Georgia State Challenger Jamboree was a great success," Sam Ranck, Director of the Little League Challenger Division, said. "Julie Haley and many other volunteers worked together to put on a great event that brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of children and parents." Fans were entertained by the webcasting wit of the Jeff (Colwell) & Jeff (Lucas) Show - who introduced several guest commentators during the games. Ray and Louise Nelson, founders and organizers of Guitars Not Guns a non-profit organization that gives guitars and lessons to needy children, also attended the event. Mr. Nelson brought a variety of guitars and helped various players with a little guitar picking between their games. Mr. Nelson also brought his Guitarbike to share with kids. The Guitarbike was built by Mr. Nelson in 1982 and ridden from San Francisco to New York and back as a promotion for his organization. The bike was featured in Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum and was part of the 1982 County Music Award Ceremonies. Players had the opportunity to sit on top of the Guitarbike and have their photos taken. The Jamboree was played at the Peachtree City Little League complex, which includes the "Field of Hope," a synthetic field specifically designed for Challenger players. This first Jamboree was a fulfilling and educational experience for Mrs. Haley and her volunteer staff. She acknowledged that the distance traveled by the teams limited the participation by parents, and the players became tired faster than was expected. "The opportunity for teams to play on the "Field of Hope" a synthetic field specifically constructed for the Challenger Division provided a special experience for many of the players," Mr. Ranck said. "I look forward to seeing the Georgia Jamboree expand in future years as the Challenger Division continues to grow in Georgia." |