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Little League Challenger Team gets police sendoff in Malden

MALDEN, Mass. — Early Thursday morning, you could feel the energy of a packed stadium in Malden as the town's team headed off as heroes.

Police cruisers from every town represented on the District 12 Challenger Team came to flash their blue lights and send the team off Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“In NYC, they have the Canyon of Heroes where, historically, the city has turned out to recognize heroes," Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis noted. "Today we’re going to create a Canyon of Heroes from this location to the highway.”

The Challenger Program features players with physical and intellectual challenges. On Saturday, the Massachusetts District 12 Challenger team will represent the Commonwealth and country on Little League’s biggest stage, with an exhibition against a team from Ontario, Canada.

“We got in the truck this morning and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face," mom Tonya Sullivan said.

District 12 Challenger players, families, coaches and buddies all worked hard for this opportunity, raising the money to take such a meaningful trip.

“We worked so hard for this day and can’t believe it’s actually here," organizer Marie Shea said. “It’s a team and it’s rewarding that they’re able to go out there and be able to be part of a team and have something for them……and be like every other child.”

First pitch for the Challenger Game in Williamsport is 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning before the team returns home with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.