(October 27, 2014) - A baseball program in Oklahoma is giving children with autism a chance to shine. The Buddy Baseball program which was started by the Autism Center of Tulsa gives an opportunity to boys and girls who have disabilities to participate in a social sport with a supportive setting. During their events a "Buddy" is paired with a typical high school baseball player, and the player helps facilitate a fun experience in a safe environment for the participant.
Jenks High School participated in their Buddy Baseball event last Sunday. Tulsa World features a story on two brothers who participated in this year’s event. Noah and Riley Jannsen were part of the stimulated game raising awareness for children with autism. 7-year-old Noah is on the autism spectrum, and Riley hasn’t been fully diagnosed but displays behavior that is associated with autism, according to their mother. Riley had a thrill participating in this year’s event.
“I want to stay pumped up and get another (home run) ... (Noah and I) just want to see who the best is,” Riley said between turns during Sunday’s Buddy Baseball game.”
This program has been providing these children an enjoyable experience for 9 years, and hopes to keep growing.
You can read the entire story about this great cause from Tulsaworld.com.
