In the third year of this game, there is great news for area Special Olympics softball players. In 2010 this game was played at a field in Troy, Ohio. Last year the game was scheduled at Fifth Third Field, but dreams of playing in that coveted venue were dashed by rain without the possibility of rescheduling. But, now in its third year, everyone is hoping for clear blue skies as twenty-four Special Olympians representing eight area counties will finally be able to play on Fifth Third Field in downtown Dayton on Tuesday, September 25.
The evening which is free to the general public begins at 6:45 PM with the opening ceremony which will include the presenting of the colors by the Squadron 88 Sons of AMVETS Troy, Ohio with the National Anthem sung by a Jen Alford. The game begins at 7:00 PM and will be called by Paul Brown, Supervisor of Recreation Services at the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Tom Helbig from Five Rivers Metro Parks. Concessions will be available throughout the evening.
The eight area counties are each sending three all-star players and have split into the East and West Squads. The East Squad will be coached by Lincoln Comer of Madison County with Peggy Mabrey and Jane Bialecki from Logan County as assistant coaches. The West Squad will be coached by Connie Teserovitch and Kristie Rittwage both from Miami County East Squad members who will wear blue are:
Representing Logan County – Bill Bialecki, Frank Chatfield, Shirley Knight
Representing Madison County – Shawn Stewart, John Zeeck, Mike Armatrout
Representing Montgomery County – Simon Thurin, Bryce Miller, Chris Huden
Representing Clark County – Michael Ramey, William Troxell, Lance Patterson
West Squad members who will wear red are:
Representing Miami County – Darrin Fryman, Emerson Parker, Bob Anders
Representing Preble County – Sean Pierce, Alex Day, Randy Hines
Representing Darke County – Dan Bruner, JJ Staver, Devin Billenstein
Representing Shelby County – William Justice, Donald Jarvis, Craig Howell
“This amazing event is possible due to the generosity and cooperative partnership with the Dayton Dragon’s organization. Also, the local coordinators of participating counties are excited about giving their players and programs the opportunity to be in the spotlight,” said Paul Brown from the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
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