Children Enjoy Baseball Thanks to Local Organizations

Three local organizations teamed up to provide children with autism a fun and valuable experience this summer.  The Barber National Institute, the Erie SeaWolves, and the Siebenbuerger Club are provided a day-long baseball clinic for children in the Erie Connections Camp on Tuesday, July 22 at Jerry Uht Park.  

A $6,000 donation from the Siebenbuerger Club funded the clinic, where Erie SeaWolves players and coaches will teach baseball fundamentals such as fielding, throwing, pitching and base running. 

Connections Camp is a summer therapeutic program sponsored by the Barber National Institute for children and teens with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome.  The goal is for youngsters to take what they learn today at the clinic and put it to use on school and neighborhood fields with their friends, classmates or in a league. 

 “Being able to participate in activities with your peers is an important part of childhood,” said Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey, executive vice president of the Barber National Institute. “With so many families living with the challenges of autism, it is especially important to provide opportunities for children that will lead to greater inclusion in their schools and community.  We are thankful to members of the Siebenbuerger Club and the Erie SeaWolves for making this possible.”

The Siebenbuerger Club also funded a clinic for 30 adults with disabilities in day programs at the Barber National Institute that was held on Monday, July 21.  The Club also staged an equipment drive to provide campers and adults with new or gently used gloves, balls and bats. 

Chris Rendulic, president of the Siebenbuerger Club, stated, “The Siebenbuerger Club is thrilled to sponsor the baseball clinic for the children and adults of the Barber National Institute.  This year, we have concentrated our efforts into working with the youth of today; our leaders of tomorrow.  If this event helps just one young person, it is money well spent.” 

Campers will be returning to the ball field tonight to attend the SeaWolves game with their families and be recognized on the field in a pre-game ceremony.