History of Champs League

Founder: Kristi Sixkiller, Executive Director

    While living in the Dallas, TX area, Kristi Sixkiller joined a service organization and one of the speakers was a mom named Dawn. Dawn had 5 kids under the age of 11 and shared that 4 of her kids were involved in various activities such as softball, soccer, dance, piano, football, etc. ...the list went on. However, she said that Michael, who was 7 at the time, was beginning to notice that there were no team pictures of him around the house, no team uniform, no fun activity he could call his own; Michael was autistic. His involvements consisted of physical therapy, speech therapy and counseling. There were no sports available and few activities offered for children with special needs.

    Dawn's request was simple: "I am not able to begin a sports program for kids with special needs; but, if someone will fill this need, there are many kids that would love to be a part." The service organization and Kristi took on this endeavor in Plano, TX. Beginning the first Champs League season (called Angel League in Plano) with 12 kids playing softball, on Kristi's departure from Dallas the registrations were up to 80+ kids 2and a half years later.

    Kristi kept the vision and need for this program in her heart and on her return to NWA in 2004; she approached the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department with her desire the begin and coordinate the program in the area. The Parks and Recreation department was in the process of researching the programming necessary to build a sports program for special needs kids. It was great timing for both Fayetteville Parks and Recreation and Kristi.

    While just completing the first full year, Champs League is off to a GREAT start! Parents are excited to have sports offered just for their child with special needs. The kids are so enthusiastic they have a shirt and a hat for their very own ball team and they now have a fun activity especially for them. Volunteers have a great time on the field ensuring each child has a ?World Series? experience each week. And, the giving spirit from the community of sponsors is guaranteeing these kids have a program kids with special needs can call their own. Champs League is a win-win-win program for all involved.

    About the founder: Kristi Sixkiller is a Northwest Arkansas native originally from Siloam Springs, AR. She attended the University of Arkansas where she earned her BS & MS degrees. Her work experience includes teaching college at the University of Arkansas and University of Georgia, teaching high school in TX; she has also worked with troubled teens in a mental health environment and a detention center. Kristi has also volunteered at crisis centers and worked with adults and families in crisis or with special needs. Additionally, she has worked in the corporate world as a consultant for small businesses, an analyst and facilitator for strategic development within a corporate human resource department and other corporate positions. While Kristi appreciates her valuable corporate experience, she continues to return to the service industry helping others. Kristi Sixkiller has a true passion to help others and specifically help those that are left out. Previously a cheerleader, Kristi is excited to use her enthusiastic and positive attitude to continue to "cheer" (support) for a population that traditionally has not had someone on the field for them.

    From the founder: "It is my privilege and honor to begin Champs League in as many communities I can touch. My heart goes out when I think about the kids with special needs that watch from the stands sports they would like to play. Seeing parents in the stands watching their child, for the first time, run to Home Plate is beyond words. I am proud to be a part of Champs League; however, this is NOT a one person show; many many volunteers are needed to make each Champs League event a GREAT experience. This program demands community involvement and it is easy to build the energy with a program like this. I am truly blessed to have learned about this need and even more blessed to have the support, mentorship and encouragement to continue the vision."