Haddam-Killingworth Little League Invites Players and Buddies to “Challengers”

(March 10, 2025) — Julian Scamporino, a six-year-old student from Killingworth, is not only an amazing young boy, but also the inspiration behind bringing the Haddam Killingworth Little League (HKLL) Challenger Division to our community. Julian, who has Pitt Hopkins Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and causes intellectual disabilities and developmental delays—has become a symbol of inclusion and resilience.

Julian’s story sparked a desire for greater inclusion, which led Lauren Perley of Killingworth, a long-time member of the HKLL Board, to establish the Challenger Division in Haddam-Killingworth. This division ensures that all children, regardless of their abilities, have a place to enjoy the game of baseball. The Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program designed for children with intellectual and physical challenges. The program incorporates a peer modeling format, and “buddies” are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in the areas of batting, base running and defense, but only as needed. Often (not always) buddies are peer athletes who are participating in the Little League Baseball or Softball program.

The head coach of the Challenger Division is Rob Harlow of Higganum, a seasoned baseball and softball player with more than forty years of experience. He has been coaching Little League for many years and has also coached a Special Olympics bowling team for two years. Assisting him will be Drew Chadwick of Haddam, a local high school student who began his baseball journey with the Hartford Miracle League and has since played many seasons with HK Little League.

We are grateful for the support from our co-sponsors: Westbrook Dairy Queen and Advanced Overhead Door (The Berrios Family). Additionally, we have a wonderful anonymous donor who will be recognized at HKLL Opening Day!

The season will run from April to June, with one weekly practice and games against teams from other towns, offering an opportunity for children to experience the joy of playing baseball in an inclusive and supportive environment. If you are interested, please contact Lauren Perley at 203-500-3995 or register your Challenger Player or Buddy at hklittleleague.com.