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Special Needs baseball holds first 'World Series'

Special needs children and adults from all over Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina have been invited to participate in the inaugural “Special Needs World Series” on Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Bob Lewis Park, at 164 Jacob Holm Way in Candler. Gates will open at 12:15 p.m. and the opening ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m.
The event is being coordinated by Special Needs Sports of WNC and the Enka Youth Sports Organization to allow special needs athletes and their families the opportunity to play sports in a world-class facility located close to home. There is no charge to play or to attend, and organizers hope for a great turnout to support the special needs population.
“We’re excited to be one of the first events at this new first-class facility,” said Donnie Jones, founder and executive director of Special Needs Sports. His athletes play every Saturday during the spring and fall in Hendersonville, but he expects this unique facility – seven fields with astroturf infields – will make this weekend’s “World Series” a memorable experience for them and their families. His program, which is free to anyone who wants to participate and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Four Seasons-Hendersonville, has grown to include more than 150 players of all ages and abilities. But Jones wants to be clear – everyone is invited this Sunday!
Anyone with special needs, regardless of age, ability, residence, or degree of disability, is invited to participate as a player. Contact Jones at 828-606-5691 or jonesdtl@yahoo.com for more information, or just show up on Sunday afternoon. “We don’t care if you’ve never held a bat or thrown a ball before, we want anyone who has special needs and wants to participate to be a part of this event,” Jones said.
He also hopes spectators will show up to cheer for the athletes.

“There’s no admission cost and we guarantee it will be the most rewarding afternoon you can imagine. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter when they are on the ballfield, with their parents and siblings cheering them on…there’s nothing like it,” said Jones.