District 12 Challenger Day Games held at Alex Gentile Park

Mayor Gary Christenson cut his weekend getaway short to be back in time for the 2023 District 12 Challenger Day Games at Alex Gentile Memorial Park! The Mayor surprised attendees, including Ward 5 Councillor Barbara Murphy and Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, at the baseball tournament that was held for children and teens with differing abilities. The free event is run by Bernie Colbert and Marie Shea.

The Malden Police and Fire Department Honor Guards kicked off the opening ceremony, which included the National Anthem sung by Malden Soprano Natalja Sticco. Fans and volunteers came together to welcome the young athletes onto the field and cheer them on during the exciting one-inning baseball game.

Wally the Green Monster, Tessie, Barbie, Cinderella and Spiderman were among the characters that greeted and spent time with the athletes. There was a fire department ladder truck for the children to tour. Following the games, attendees were treated to pizza and hotdogs inside the Forestdale Cafeteria.

“I am grateful to Bernie and Marie for their efforts in making the event a success for these amazing athletes,” said Mayor Christenson. “They are an inspiration to all of us.”