Unforgettable Moments: How Community Comes Together to Create Inclusive Sports Opportunities for All

The Visalia Valley Strong Ballpark is hosting a special night for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges to enjoy a baseball game in a welcoming environment. This event was made possible through the partnership between the Visalia Rawhide and Adapted Athlete, a nonprofit organization that provides sports opportunities for people with disabilities.

The program was founded by Nikki Scholl, who wanted to create inclusive sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Over the years, Adapted Athlete has grown to include private training clinics and sports leagues for hundreds of participants. The idea of a special baseball night came to life thanks to community support and donations, allowing families and friends to enjoy a night out at the ballpark.

Adapted Athlete and the Rawhide have made accommodations to ensure everyone’s comfort during the night, such as providing picture menus for non-speaking individuals and adjusting sound levels throughout the game. The athletes have even had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem, creating unforgettable memories for all involved.

Founder Carina Carrillo expresses her gratitude for the inclusive environment created by Adapted Athlete, which allows families to enjoy a baseball game in a way they may not have thought possible before. This partnership between Adapted Athlete and the Rawhide highlights the importance of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and other community activities.

Overall, this special needs night at Visalia’s Valley Strong Ballpark is an example of how community can come together to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.