Autism Awareness games set in Weimar, Columbus

Turtle Wing Foundation, whose mission is “helping children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential”, is once again partnering with area high school baseball and softball programs to hold autism awareness games starting now and throughout the month of April. The teams who have volunteered to participate include (home teams in bold):

• Weimar softball vs. Louise – April 2

• Columbus baseball vs. Ganado – April 15

Local students will be honored with the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. Information on autism and the foundation’s work will be available at the games along with Turtle Wing merchandise being for sale. During the game, Turtle Wing volunteers will throw goodies into the crowd and collect donations towards providing Turtle Wing’s services. The month of awareness activities will wrap on May 4 when Turtle Wing hosts their Jack Hooper Day at the Ballpark and Homerun Derby at the Schulenburg Sports Complex. Baseball is at the heart of the foundation. Jack Hooper, whom the foundation was founded in memory of, loved baseball as does his family. Jack had high functioning autism but through the love and support of his parents and coaches he played baseball just like any kid should have the opportunity to.

Last year Turtle Wing Foundation helped provide Early Intervention and Supplemental Services to over 300 children with thousands more being impacted by Community Education & Advocacy programming. The recipients have all been from Colorado, Fayette, Lavaca and surrounding counties with academic, social-emotional, behavioral and/or developmental needs. To learn more about Turtle Wing Foundation visit www.turtlewingfoundation.org, follow their Facebook page or contact Managing Director, Susie Shank, at 979-505-5090. For more information about MLB Autism Awareness and to check on respective Club dates commemorating the initiative, please visit MLBCommunity.org.