Who You Are Affects Others. (You and Others).(Brief Article)

Peers are usually people your age. A peer may be someone who is a lot like you. Or a peer may be someone who is like you in some ways but different in others.

The Challenger Division of Little League has a buddy sys tem that teams up two peers who are different but have at least one thing in common-they both love baseball. This special division pairs children who have a physical, mental, or emotional disability with buddies who can help them play the game.

The buddies, who are from neighboring Little League teams, help the players bat and travel the bases. The buddies may physically push players in wheelchairs around the bases or simply help players know which base to go to next.

Everyone who participates in the Challenger Division benefits from the games. The players gain physical skills and feel better about themselves. The buddies realize that the players with disabilities are kids just like them.

Take a Walk in Someone Else's Shoes

Have you ever been the last chosen for a team? Or watched a group of classmates having fun while you sat alone on the playground? If so, you know it's a bad feeling. It probably made you sad, and even mad. Do you think you've ever done something to make another person feel that way? Have you or a friend left someone out on purpose? If so, take a minute to think how you'd feel if you were the one who was left out.

Here's a challenge. The next time ...