National recognition highlights WVIA’s longstanding commitment to sharing the inspiring stories of Challenger Division athletes with audiences across the country
PITTSTON, PA - WVIA is honored to announce it has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award, one of Little League International’s highest honors, recognizing the organization’s longstanding commitment to the Little League community and its dedication to sharing the stories of Challenger Division athletes with audiences nationwide.
The honor comes as WVIA prepares to produce the 25th Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game, Presented by Eggland’s Best, a beloved tradition of the Little League Baseball World Series that celebrates inclusion, perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of playing the game.
WVIA will be recognized for the award during an on-field ceremony at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on Saturday, August 29, prior to the International Championship Game.
“For years, WVIA has helped bring one of Little League’s most meaningful traditions — the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game — to audiences throughout our region. By sharing the stories of our Challenger athletes, coaches, and families, they have showcased the power of inclusion, perseverance, and community,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. "More than broadcasting a baseball game, WVIA has helped our communities see what the Challenger Division is all about: giving every child the opportunity to play, belong, and create lifelong memories. For their enduring partnership and their commitment to sharing these inspiring stories, we are proud to recognize WVIA with the presentation of the 2026 W. Howard Hartman Award this August at the Little League World Series.”
Established in 1988 in memory of W. Howard Hartman, one of Little League’s most devoted supporters, the Friendship Award is presented annually to individuals and organizations whose service embodies the spirit of friendship and commitment that defined Hartman’s legacy.
For fifteen years, WVIA has produced and nationally distributed the Challenger Division Exhibition Game, bringing the inspiring athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers of Little League’s Challenger Division into homes across America. This year's broadcast will once again be shared by more than 28 public media stations nationwide, in addition to digital streaming platforms.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it celebrates something much larger than a television broadcast,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “Every year, we have the privilege of sharing stories that remind us what sports, and public media, are truly about: inclusion, community, perseverance, and belonging. We are incredibly honored that Little League has entrusted WVIA with helping bring these remarkable athletes and their families into homes across America.”
The 2026 Challenger Division Exhibition Game will feature the Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League Challenger Division of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and the East County Little League Challenger Division of Oakley, California. The teams will take the field at Volunteer Stadium in Williamsport on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m. ET, celebrating the athletes and communities who make Challenger Division baseball possible.
Founded in 1991, Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League serves approximately 50 Challenger Division players through year-round programming, supported by volunteers, families, and Major Division “Buddies.” East County Little League has provided Challenger Division opportunities since the early 1990s and serves approximately 45 athletes while fostering inclusion and connection throughout its community.
As part of Little League International’s continued support of the Challenger Division, each participating league will receive a $15,000 grant to help offset travel expenses to Williamsport. Eggland’s Best, the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball and presenting sponsor of the exhibition game, will match those grants with an additional $15,000 donation to each league.
How to Watch
The live broadcast will air on WVIA TV and stream on WVIA.org and the WVIA App, with distribution through more than 28 PBS member stations nationwide. The game will also stream live through the ESPN App under the Watch tab. Viewers should check local public media listings for broadcast information.
Ahead of the game, WVIA will also share profile videos introducing the participating teams, players, coaches, and communities.
What to Know
The full schedule and detailed information for the public is available here in WVIA’s guide to the 79th Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport.
Celebrating 25 Years of Challenger Division Baseball at the World Series
Since its debut in 2001, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has become one of the most anticipated traditions of Championship Weekend. The exhibition celebrates athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities while demonstrating Little League’s commitment to making the game accessible to every child.
For WVIA, the Friendship Award carries special significance during its 60th anniversary year, recognizing six decades of public service and the organization's continuing commitment to education, storytelling, accessibility, and strengthening communities throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, and far beyond.
For more information about the Little League Challenger Division and the participating teams, visit LittleLeague.org.
About WVIA
WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For nearly 60 years, WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA Arts, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app.
WVIA Mission
WVIA educates, inspires, entertains and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community.