NORFOLK SUPERIOR PROBATION OFFICER DRAWS INSPIRATION
FROM CHALLENGE LEAGUE

          While local sports fans look to the Boston Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots for inspiration, Norfolk Superior Court Probation Officer Steven Koenig draws his from an unlikely source: the team of physically and mentally-challenged little leaguers he has been coaching for the past six years.

          Koenig, a 22-year probation officer, said it warms his heart to see the triumphant smile on the face of a child, assisted by a walker, who rounds the bases. His team - members of the Norwood Little League Challenge division also referred to as the Challenge League - range in age from six to 12 years old. The Challenge League was established to allow children with mental and physical impairments to enjoy and participate in the game of baseball.

          The Norwood Challenge League Koenig coaches includes a set of six-year-old twins, whose cerebral palsy confines them to a wheelchair; two children who are autistic, a child who has Down Syndrome; and a child whose brain aneurism has impacted his physical ability.

          "The kids have a really good time and they just try so hard," said Koenig. "After working with these children, it is hard to have the patience for a strapping, six-foot, 200-pound individual on probation who comes in and complains that they cannot do something," said Koenig.

          He added, "There is nothing better than seeing the children laugh. It is okay if they can't hit or can't catch. All of the kids get a chance at bat. Some may hit it off the tee. Sometimes the grass grows a little higher waiting for a hit but that's okay."

          Koenig wants more parents and guardians to know about the league so that children, who would not play otherwise, will get the opportunity to enjoy America's national pastime.

          "It's really a great outlet for kids with special needs. Coaching this team has kept this crotchety old man young and the parents are great," Koenig said.