Keeper of the Game, a nonprofit in Frisco, is giving athletes with special needs a place to play baseball, make friends, and feel included. The organization received a $1,000 donation through CBS News Texas’ 11 Days of Giving campaign in partnership with Tom Thumb Albertsons.<\/p>\n
On the practice field, there are no scoreboards and no official counts. What matters are the cheers, the smiles, and the joy of being part of a team.<\/p>\n
Cameron Wright, a member born with spina bifida, said the program gives him more than just a game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It gives people with disabilities a voice…and to play baseball…just a chance,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to make friends. That’s definitely a reason I started doing this.”<\/p>\n
Every athlete at Keeper of the Game has a personal story, but the nonprofit ensures their disabilities do not define them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I’ve been thriving, my love of baseball is unmatched,” said Alexander Leonard, a member with Autism.<\/p>\n
Founded 12 years ago by professional baseball coach James Vilade, Keeper of the Game was created to bridge the gap between the special needs community and the baseball community.<\/p>\n
“I just noticed a lot of separation between the special needs community and our field,” Vilade said.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit hosts official tournaments and smaller events, like a Sandlot series, to bring players together and foster inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It’s all about us, taking care of each other through the game of baseball, and what that means to me is inclusion,” Vilade said.<\/p>\n
The $1,000 donation will support the athletes by providing baseball gloves, bats, and batting gloves for events, ensuring families face no financial burden.<\/p>\n
“When athletes come to our events, we provide baseball gloves, bats, and batting gloves. We want it to be turn-key. We don’t want families to have any expense,” Vilade said.<\/p>\n
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