POUGHKEEPSIE ... Dutchess County’s Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill will again host the free ThinkDIFFERENTLY/D3Day Baseball camp on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9:45 a.m. to noon, and County Executive Sue Serino encourages our neighbors to volunteer and help make this year's event a memorable day for athletes of all abilities.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, "One caring volunteer can make all the difference. Whether you're helping someone take their first swing, cheering them on around the bases or simply sharing a smile, you'll help make baseball accessible and create memories that last a lifetime. I hope many of our neighbors come together once again to make this special day unforgettable for every participant and their family."
The camp is a partnership between Dutchess County Government, the Hudson Valley Renegades and D3Day, a nonprofit organization that connects individuals with disabilities with professional athletes through inclusive sports experiences. The County’s ballpark has hosted this inclusive event since 2017.
Residents of all ages, families, businesses, community organizations, sports teams and other groups are welcome to volunteer and help participants move through baseball activities, offer encouragement and ensure every athlete enjoys a fun, inclusive experience. Prospective volunteers can learn more and sign up at d3day.com/volunteer.
Renegades General Manager Tom Denlinger said, "This is one of our favorite days of the season. Our Renegades players, coaches and staff love being part of this camp, and volunteers are what make the day possible. We invite our community to join us and help create an experience every child deserves."
The annual camp gives residents with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn baseball skills, including batting, fielding and baserunning, alongside Hudson Valley Renegades players and coaches. Each participant receives a complimentary camp T-shirt, lunch and tickets to a future Renegades game. Registration for participants is available at d3day.com/hudson-valley; space is extremely limited and families are encouraged to register before capacity is reached.
D3Day Director Doug Cornfield said, "Our volunteers are the heart of this event. Their kindness, encouragement and energy help every athlete feel welcomed, supported and celebrated. We hope many people will join us this year and experience just how rewarding it is to be part of D3Day."
Launched by County Executive Sue Serino, Dutchess County's "Think Accessible" initiative builds on the County's nationally recognized ThinkDIFFERENTLY program by encouraging businesses, municipalities and community partners to create welcoming, accessible spaces where people of all abilities can fully participate and thrive.
