USSSA East: Strike out Autism Tournament
Advocate, Educate, Love, & Accept
Pasadena, MD – USSSA East held its 3rd annual Strike out Autism Tournament the weekend of October 20th in the Central Maryland Region. This year, 120 teams participated in the tournament and helped raise awareness and support for those affected with autism. Thanks to the players, coaches, and parents, USSSA East was once again able to make a donation to local autism charities.
Teams embraced the cause and ran with it, sporting custom puzzle piece themed shirts and socks. Family members shared stories and our staff met several individuals who have been diagnosed with autism. And the “first pitch” of the event was thrown out at Bodkin Park in Pasadena, MD by a 6 year old by who is on the autism spectrum.
The goal of this event is to shine a light on a disorder which has been in the shadows for many years. There is no one-stop shopping when it comes to helping those on the autism spectrum. There is still much uncertainty surrounding autism relating to its cause and treatments.“We are proud to be able to raise awareness and make a small contribution on behalf of our teams to those who work every day to improve awareness and support families who have loved ones with autism,” says Bill Dowell, USSSA MD/DE State Director.
This year’s beneficiary was Pathfinders for Autism. Founded in 2000 by parents of children with autism, Pathfinders for Autism has a simple mission, “to improve the lives of the individuals with autism and the people who care for them…. through a variety of programs and services, all of which are offered free of charge.” On December 4th, 2018, USSSA East presented a check for $3,000 to Pathfinders for Autism.
In 2019, USSSA’s Strike Out Autism event will move to April 6th and 7th.This aligns the event with Autism awareness month as well as a series of autism awareness events organized by USSSA directors around the country as part of the Angels for Autism initiative.USSSA East plans to announce a new charitable event shortly that will take Strike Out Autism’s place on the calendar in October of 2019.
For more information visit http://pathfindersforautism.org/