The Dr. A.L. Lott League program will name an award after a child who died May 27 to commemorate his contribution to the team and league over the past years.

Director of the A.L. Lott Youth League Roy Smith said Jason Franklin Bryant, 13, started playing right field with the A.L. Lott League in 2011. Smith said Bryant had some limitations that would usually keep young children from getting as involved with sports as he was.

“I think the other kids, he inspired them to come out and play that second year after seeing him out there,” Smith said.

He said since Bryant started playing, the league now has about five children who are playing with varying limitations and disabilities.

During last season’s award ceremony, Bryant received an award titled the All Heart, Big Heart Award but at this year’s ceremony on Aug. 1 the award will be renamed the Jason Franklin Bryant Award.

“Knowing there was some limitations in his abilities inspired me, and several others in the program decided to do it,” Smith said. He said it was great to see “a guy out there with limitations playing with all his heart.”

Smith said it appeared to him that everyone on the team had a great deal of respect for Bryant.

“We want parents and children to understand that whatever limitations they should never give up on their dreams,” Smith said. “Just have the courage and fortitude to go out there and do your best.”

Smith said he tells parents all the time to not allow their children to quit and to encourage them to finish.

The A.L. Lott league features players from ages 4 to 16. The season’s awards program will be held Aug. 1 at the Brookhaven Recreation Department.