This year marked the 2nd Annual Kiwanis ERP Baseball Day, a celebration of inclusion, sportsmanship and community spirit. The event, held on a bright and sunny day at the Field of Ability, brought together approximately 160 Elementary Resource Program (ERP) students from 12 different schools. Over 75 dedicated HPEDSB staff and volunteers contributed to the event's success, including teachers, educational assistants, behaviour services staff, learning support coordinators, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and Education Centre staff.
The Kiwanis Club, the event's biggest sponsor, played a crucial role in making the day possible. This year, the event also received generous support from the JaysCare Affiliate Schools program, which many regional classes incorporate into their programs. The combined sponsorships provided for medals, field rentals and even ice cream, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.
Volunteers from Desert Stream Christian Fellowship and Paul Reed from the Cooperators Group cooked and served a BBQ lunch for everyone in attendance. Entertainment on Foote kept the energy high and the participants dancing with music throughout the day. Quinte West OPP officers showed their support by cheering on the athletes.
Reflecting on the event, teacher Cristy Evers said, "The feeling on the field today is absolute magic. My aim with this annual event is to give students of all abilities a spot on a school athletic team. A chance to wear their school jersey with pride and have a whole lot of fun doing it!"
The 2nd Annual Kiwanis ERP Baseball Day was a testament to the power of community, teamwork and the joy of sports. With the continued support of sponsors and volunteers, the event promises to grow and inspire even more students in the years to come.