Special Needs Awareness Day brings resources, celebrates resiliency of those living with disabilities

Life can be challenging. Add to it a condition that causes physical, mental or emotional difficulties and it can become even more challenging. This is the case of those living with special needs. To raise awareness of the presence of the special needs community and their resiliency, the Special Needs Baseball organization of Onslow County hosted its Special Needs Awareness Day at the Jacksonville Commons Park, June 16.

“Everybody contributing today is here to bring information of the resources available to the families in Onslow County,” said John Alvis, SNB director. “We have a wonderful partnership with the city of Jacksonville. The city provides me the fields and facilities. I coordinate the vendors and activities. We have experienced much growth and are continuing to expand our mission.”

The event, which is now in its third year, featured a custom-made water dunk, a parachute and other games for families to enjoy. The scope expanded beyond just recreation, however.

“It started out as a day just for the kids to have fun,” said Alvis. “We discovered the difficulty many families had is finding groups in the community that serve as resources for them. This event now acts as a one-stop shop for individuals with special needs and their families to get connected to these resources and each other.”

Organizations such as the Special Olympics and Princess for Paws were in attendance to show families some of the services they can provide. The whole purpose of the event was to serve a segment of the community that can get often overlooked in their perspective.

“The special needs community does not always get enough awareness or events just for them,” said Melody Strickland, Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Athletics supervisor. “This event is a way for us to give back to them by providing awareness of their struggles and goals as well as to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Volunteers from local churches, the Marine Corps and other Onslow County residents came out to serve at a cause that they support and for people whom they have a heart for.

“This is where my heart is,” said Jennifer Law, volunteer in attendance. “I am pursuing my passion by loving these kids. Sometimes they are forgotten about and events like this help to make sure that does not happen.”

The event brought families and volunteers from throughout Onslow County together for a shared passion for caring for those with special needs. The day was filled with laughter and a light-hearted spirit.

“I am having a great time being here,” said Pfc. Shawn Reese. “I have done similar work with other organizations and it is always very heartwarming to see the smiles on the kids’ faces. It is great to see the them happy and I enjoy it.”

For more information about SNB, visit www.specialneedsbaseball.net.