The Soldotna Little League Fields are about to play host to a much wider variety of players than usual.
Frontier Community Services is gearing up to hold its annual World Series Baseball Event on Thursday in cooperation with the City of Soldotna and the Soldotna Little League.
Now in its 13th year, the game and accompanying activities are a way to celebrate and have fun with those in the community with developmental disabilities who benefit from the organization, said Kerri Roe, developmental specialist with Frontier Community Services’ infant learning program. This includes both children and adults.
“It’s one of the highlights of the year,” she said. “It’s something where we open up an activity to the entire community.”
When Roe says entire community, she means it. Players are invited to the World Series from not only the central Kenai Peninsula, but from as far away as Homer, Seward and Valdez.
It’s an opportunity to do something fun with those who are served locally by Frontier Community Services, as well as a chance for others in the state with disabilities to come out and enjoy a game and an event they otherwise might not get to participate in, Roe said.
The baseball game itself is adapted so that everyone involved can have a good time playing no matter the skill or ability level, Roe said. If someone needs a tee to hit off of, for example, one is provided, and stand-in hitters and runners will be at the ready, she said.
If baseball isn’t what participants are interested in, there are other activities and opportunities to join in the fun, Roe said. These will include face painting and a “crazy hair” station. Roe said volunteers for these activities, and for serving the free food that comes along with the event, are always needed.
The event oscillates between fields in Kenai and Soldotna each year, and a prominent community member is usually there to speak. Roe said past speakers have included both cities’ mayors.
“It just gives everybody in the community as a whole someplace fun to interact,” Roe said. “But more than that, it brings them together and helps them see that we are all just people.”
Players can begin signing up for the game at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, and the day’s opening ceremonies will begin at noon.
For more information or to volunteer, Roe said people can call Frontier Community Services at (907) 262-6331.
Admission to the event is free, though Roe said those interested in donating can do so through the organization’s main office.
Reach Megan Pacer at megan.pacer@peninsulaclarion.com.
