August 11, 2010

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s Sunshine Ballpark in Fredericksburg, Virginia will provide a much needed facility for every child to have a chance to play baseball. As we break ground on the park, we are excited to add a new group of children to our mission, those of different abilities. Ability Field will allow physically and mentally challenged youth to compete on a field specifically designed to meet their needs.

Special needs children are often relegated to watch their siblings play. Currently, youth baseball that serves these children is dependent on perfect weather. Imagine trying to move a wheelchair across a wet or muddy field. Even days later, a storm can render a field unplayable. Ability Field will be built with surfaces and to specifications that will allow children of all abilities to compete. The project will bring families together from across the region to watch their children play baseball. A joy that many parents take for granted.

The need and desire for this type of project has existed in the community for years. While there is a demand in the region for special needs team play, there are no facilities to support these programs. In today’s environment, special needs children have never been more at risk.

Sunshine Ballpark will be home to three, beautiful, synthetic turf fields. By dedicating one as Ability Field, we will be able to provide a safe, year round facility for these children to play, learn, and grow all at a substantial cost savings.

With your help, a generation of children will grow up with the opportunity to play on Ability Field. We are committed to impacting the lives of special needs children. Please join us. For more information on how you can help build Ability Field, please contact Scott Neal at 540.538.0758 or email ability_field@comcast.net or Chuck Brady, Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation at 804.423.6432 or email cbrady@ripkenfoundation.org.