Can Play will host a special event Sunday, June 21, at the Clarinda High School softball field, with activities scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. Participants may arrive around 12:30 PM to warm up, meet volunteers, and get settled before the event begins.
The event is open to special needs youth, generally ages 5 through 18, including students up through their senior year of high school.
There is no cost, no pre-registration is required, and families do not need to call ahead. Participants can simply show up.
A major highlight of the day will be a visit from the Omaha Storm Chasers. Players and the mascot are expected to attend, take part in a meet-and-greet, pose for photos with participants, and stay throughout the event to participate one-on-one with the kids. A photographer is also donating time to take pictures of the children with the players and mascot.
Can Play is designed to give special needs children the chance to experience sports in a flexible, supportive environment. Volunteers work one-on-one with each player and help them participate as much or as little as they want. Activities may include playing catch, hitting the ball, fielding, running bases, and taking part in a mock game. Organizers emphasize that the goal is not competition or time limits, but making sure each child has a positive experience and gets the feeling of being a ballplayer.
The event is rain or shine. If weather or field conditions are poor, activities will move inside to the nearby Clarinda Lied Center. Organizers said the Storm Chasers have confirmed they are coming regardless of weather.
Community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the participants. Previous Can Play events have seen growing participation, with about 12 children the first week and roughly 20 the following week, along with strong spectator support.
Hy-Vee and Fareway in Clarinda are donating items for the event, and Coca-Cola is donating gift-basket-style items.
Families can learn more through the national Can Play Facebook page by using the contact option and noting the southwest Iowa area. The Clarinda Lied Center is also a local point of contact for questions.
