Sport for all: Softball shines at Special Olympics
Inclusive disciplines like wheelchair softball and baseball for the blind are instrumental in WBSC’s strategy of growing the sport around the world and providing access to all people and communities.
Softball is well known as a sport for all, a discipline that gives opportunities to learn, play and enjoy at any age and all levels. This condition was underlined one more time this past week in Florida, USA, when a total of 22 softball teams participated in the Special Olympics USA Games 2022.
The softball event was played at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Diamondplex in Kissimmee, Florida. In the Unified Divisions, Gold Medals were won by Oklahoma, Maryland and Louisiana. In the Traditional Division, Gold Medals were won by Kansas and Mississippi, and after a long weather delay, Michigan defeated New Hampshire, 9-7, to claim the gold medal.
The tournament not only showcased softball athletes fulfilling their dreams, but also an umpire, Daniel Block, who is on the autism spectrum and first began competing at seven-years-old. “I’ve been a Special Olympian all my life, pretty much,” said Block to Si Live. “I got involved with volunteering for the Special Olympics previously and participated as an athlete in bowling, floor hockey, and soccer.”
“It’s a huge honor to represent USA Softball and the Tristate area as an umpire and referee. It’s a huge passion. I take my craft very seriously,” he said.
Inclusive disciplines like wheelchair softball and baseball for the blind are instrumental in WBSC’s strategy of growing the sport around the world and providing access to all people and communities.
