Albany Challenger League Executive Director nominated for state and national award

ALBANY — Devoted mom Jennifer Sapp, who started the Challenger League two years ago to give her special needs son the chance to play baseball, had no idea that she’d soon be recognized across the state for her efforts while also being nominated for a national honor.

Much to her surprise, Sapp, a mother of three boys and the executive director of the non-profit organization she started in 2015, was recently named as one of the 2017 Inspiring Mothers of Georgia and the local winner and national nominee of the 2017 Jefferson Award.

During the past two years the organization, which started with 25 members and two baseball teams, has expanded to include 11 programs as well as social and recreational activities vital to special needs families. The organization now serves children and families from 10 different counties in Southwest Georgia.

“I just wanted my son to be able to play sports,” said Sapp. “It’s not like I had a grand plan of starting a non-profit that would be serving over 200 children from 10 different counties. I just wanted Landon to have a chance to participate in sports like his brothers. I wanted him to have something of his own.”

Sapp’s kindness, generosity and willingness to help others drove the organization to become a beacon of hope for many who have long felt there was none.

“We have had so many families tell us how grateful they are for the Challenger League,” said Sapp. “We have people who drive an hour or more one way for 45 minutes of baseball practice and they love every minute of it.

“The children find camaraderie and the adults get both a rest and the happiness that comes from seeing their child be a part of a team. And, most importantly, the kids love it.”

According to Jon Dumond, Challenger League Board President, it was announced this week by the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, that Sapp was one of only six women throughout the state to be named a 2017 Inspiring Mother of Georgia.

Sapp, and the other inspiring mothers will be honored at A Mother’s Day ceremony in Atlanta on April 30 that will also be attended by such well-known mothers as Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal, former United States First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Mary Perdue, wife of former Georgia Governor and current United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

Sapp was also recently named Albany’s 2017 Jefferson Award winner. The Jefferson Award was founded nationally in 1972 to recognize individuals who make a difference in their community through public service.

“The award is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” for community service,” said Dumond. “There is the local award, but she will then get to go to Washington D.C. this summer for the national event.”

The National Jefferson Award presentation, for which Sapp is a nominee, includes past winners such as Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Carter, Elizabeth Dole and Ellie Wiesel.

On April 15, the Challenger League will officially kick off its third season of baseball, and on May 20, will hold its 2nd Annual Benefit for the organization at the Creekside Center at Albany’s Chehaw park.

“We are still growing and building,” said Sapp. “The benefit will include a silent auction as well as music by the Atlanta group Southern City Lights and Dr. Tongel, who will be our opening act during the silent auction. We will also have a live auction along with great food and drinks. Tickets are $25.”

For more information visit challengerleague.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/challengerleagueinc/.