On Saturday, July 9, the Field of Dreams softball game drew a large, enthusiastic crowd for the 13th time. Beneath both the lights and a star-filled, midnight blue backdrop, the Special Olympians and local business members teamed up as one, without any distinction between the able-bodied players and those with developmental disabilities.
The game took place at Wooster Foursquare Softball Field, and though Team Elks won over Team PNC 15-14, a spectator wouldnt know the difference as the game closed, because win or lose, the Special Olympians gathered on the field with excitement and pride to be awarded a medal by their business partner.
This is always a fun event. Wayne County Special Olympics, our softball team, won Division Four last year in the state. And we played in front of about maybe 50 people. So to come here and play in front of a couple hundred people, this is a much bigger thing than that, so they really look forward to this, explained Don Rammel, local Special Olympic coordinator.
The cracking of the bat against the ball, or the sound of the ball colliding with the leather glove, were two sensory elements that made the game impossible to differentiate from any other. Rammel said that he would like the community to realize that the Special Olympians arent as limited as many perceive them to be. Rather, they can play the game just as well.
I dont want them (the crowd) to walk away and go aw, they did really good, I want them to walk away and be like, man, that was an impressive play that shortstop made, I would have never guessed he was a Special Olympic athlete. Were playing the same rules as everybody else. These guys can come out here, and they can make plays, they can catch the ball, they can hit, they can run, we can turn double plays. My goal for all of my athletes, regardless of whatever the sport is, is that they get the most of their ability. As long as they can do that, Im happy, Rammel continued.
Throughout the game, gifts and baskets were raffled off, and a bounce house provided entertainment for the children in attendance. As each Special Olympian went up to bat, the announcer offered fun facts about the player, which was a little distracting for Veronica Hicksbut she was still smiling and laughing. It was her first time participating in the Field of Dreams game, though shes played softball on other teams.
Well, I like softball, so its fun, except for when I got out, she mused. Other than that, its good.
The Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce organized the event, and they had Grand Slam, Home Run, and MVP sponsors supporting their efforts.
The Special Olympians are just like us. They play a good game, theyre competitive and its a chance to interact with them, explained Sue Peeples, vice president of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, the Wooster cheerleaders were in attendance, providing entertainment and signs for the Special Olympians to bust through at the beginning of the game.
I think what the business partners teach the Olympians is friendship and compassion, and just even how to play the game, Rammel added, noting that some of the business members play on softball leagues, therefore, they can offer tips to their Special Olympic partners. And now that its under the lights, it kind of gives that big league atmosphere to it, which is pretty cool for a lot of these guys. They appreciate that.
However, Steve Workman, sponsored by Buckeye Container, would agree that many of his preconceived notions about disabilities had faded with his participation in the game. He enjoyed encouraging and rooting for his own partner. He concluded that it was fun getting to spend time with the Special Olympians.
And lastly, if the concept of the Field of Dreams game could be adopted by the larger society, perhaps the stigmas and stereotypes would no longer be such barriers to equalitymaking such inclusive events much more commonplace.
