Baseball and autism awareness are coming together this weekend at the Amsterdam Mohawks’ annual Autism Acceptance Night.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara told NewsChannel 13 the event is Saturday, July 11th at Shuttleworth Park, with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. He said it’s a chance to celebrate autism acceptance while also connecting families with local resources.
This year’s event comes with an added focus on safety following the tragic death of Harbe Nagi, a young boy who was autistic and nonverbal. Santabarbara said his office is teaming up with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to share information about Project Lifesaver, a program designed to help locate missing people more quickly.
For Santabarbara, the event is personal. He chairs the New York State Assembly’s Committee on People with Disabilities, and his son is autistic and nonverbal. He said one of the biggest fears many families share is the possibility of a child wandering away.
He hopes Autism Acceptance Night reminds families they’re not alone and that support is available. Families who register through his website can take part in pregame activities on the field, meet players and check out the team’s special jerseys.
For Related Stories: Mohawk Harbe Nagi Baseball Autism Awareness Amsterdam