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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Bandits Host Challenger Little League This Saturday

August 31, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


First ever Great River Challenge brings Iowa and Illinois together at Modern Woodmen Park

The Quad Cities River Bandits believe in creating memories and putting smiles on the faces of children.

That should not be a problem on September 5 when Modern Woodmen Park will play host to the inaugural Great River Challenge, as the Iowa and Illinois chapters of the Challenger Little League program will face off for the first time ever from 2:00-8:00 p.m.

"The Challenger Little League program is a terrific one, great for kids and families alike, and we are very proud to continue and expand our association with them," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The Challenger program is especially important to us because they ensure that every Quad Cities child has a chance to compete, regardless of what challenges they might be facing. We are privileged to have the opportunity to offer such special experiences and memories to these inspirational little leaguers and their families. The difference that it makes in their lives is priceless, as is the joy it gives us and our fans to watch them overcome hurdles and compete against top competition. And the added element of joining the two sides of the river this year is a special bonus!"

The Challenger Little League enables mentally and physically challenged children a chance to play organized baseball. Participants are divided into three different levels to allow for safe and fun baseball games and the league provides volunteers to coach and manage the teams, as well as to act as "buddies" that help the Challenger players at the plate and on the field. Although the River Bandits have hosted the Iowa Challenger Little League led by President Lou Ann Harmsen for each of the past five seasons, the 2009 game will mark the first time that the Illinois Challenger Little League, led by President Mary Boehm, is joining in on the festivities.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for all involved, bringing both sides of the river together as one and giving all of these ‘special' players the opportunity to play like the pros," said Harmsen. "It will be their ‘Field of Dreams,' which is most appropriate due to the movie showing the River Bandits are hosting that evening. We could not be more pleased to be working with Bob Evans and the River Bandits staff and using the facility of Modern Woodmen Park."

Tickets for the event will be free and the gates will be open to the public at 1:30 p.m. There will be concessions available as well as a 50/50 raffle. Following the game, fans can enjoy a showing of the classic film "Field of Dreams" on the Modern Woodmen Park video board as part of the Genesis Summer Movie Series.

"Hosting a day of Challenger Little League baseball each year has a tremendously positive impact on our organization," said River Bandits Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman. "Watching these kids have such a blast just playing the game of baseball reminds us that it is easy to take what we have for granted. It is a truly inspiring event and one that we are excited to be hosting."

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park on Wednesday for the final three regular season home games of the year. The action resumes with a Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night, as the first 1,000 fans will get a special River Bandits hat and the famous Klement's racing sausages will be in attendance. The last Thirst-day Thursday of the year will also be Tattoo Night, and fans that get a free River Bandits tattoo will be able to show it at the box office for a free berm ticket to any game in 2010. Lastly, the 2009 regular season will conclude with Fan Appreciation Night on Friday, September 4, featuring the first-ever Bandit Wedding and one last pyrotechnic extravaganza on a Fireworks Friday!

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The Quad Cities River Bandits set a new post-renovation mark for single-season attendance when the team passed the 2008 figure with six games remaining in 2009. Ticket sales, concessions, merchandise sales, sponsorships and even Kids' Zone revenues are all up over last season, which was one of the team's best in history! Banditwear and individual game tickets are still on sale for the last few games of the 2009 season by calling (563) 3-BANDIT or heading to www.RiverBandits.com. Season ticket deposits for 2010 are already being taken!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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