THE SIDELINES : Little League Disabled Program Set

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. —  Little League baseball will open its program to the physically and mentally disabled with a new “Challenger Division” and will also install a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program next year.

The announcement of the two new programs was made today during the organization’s 18th International Congress.

Congress Chairman Timothy Hughes said the Challenger Division comes as a result of various leagues, most notably in Massachusetts and Texas, starting programs for the disabled on their own. “It gives an opportunity for a new group of people to enjoy the benefits of Little League who never could before,” he said.

Specifics of the drug and alcohol program will be worked out later, but Little League President Creighton J. Hale said he has already discussed the effort with major league officials and he believes that they will help support the program.