COLORADO SPRINGS — Kids with autism often have a hard time understanding the world around them, and as a result, playing sports can be very challenging. One organization wants to give teens on the spectrum a chance to to play ball just like everyone else.
The program is called Alternative Baseball, and the organization is looking for coaches, volunteers, and players for its Colorado Springs Program.
"I want to give other kids a chance to play a game that so many people enjoy. I've always been a huge sports fan," said Taylor Duncan, Commissioner and CEO of Alternative Baseball.
Duncan says he also has autism. He loves the game of baseball but never got a chance to participate, because he had some developmental delays and speech issues. Duncan decided to give other kids like him a chance to play and enjoy America's favorite past time.
"May have to learn how to run bases for the first time," Duncan explained.
Here's how it works. Duncan says he'll be working with Help Autism in Colorado Springs to get coaches and staff ready to help run the practices. The team will be called the Pikes Peak Sluggers.
Duncan says they need coaches and volunteers who have a passion for working with teens with Autism and other disabilities. Players must be 15 and older to sign up. Duncan points out that the team will get a chance to learn social skills that they can carry with them off the field.
"Now our players are hitting faster pitches just like everyone else, and we got them there by encouraging them to be the best they can be, and we are helping them work on their strengths," he said.
Duncan says the team will need donations to pay for uniforms and gear. He wants to get the word out now so that as soon as some normalcy returns, the Pikes Peak Sluggers will be able to hit the bases.
For more information, click here.
