Chihuahuas host annual “Play Ball” weekend
UPDATE: Major League Baseball hosted Nationwide Playball Weekend here in El Paso. The Chihuahuas hosted youth players from the Miracle League of El Paso.
"Kids with disabilities are not usually invited to baseball camps because they're designed for for a skilled player. A lot of our players are skilled, but those that aren't, this provides them a little bit of an opportunity to say that they've been to a Chihuahua's baseball camp. So this is something big in their life," said El Paso Chihuahuas Promotions Supervisor.
The baseball camp gives differently abled youth athletes an opportunity to learn skills taught by professional baseball players and coaches in a safe environment.
"A lot of our players are skilled, but those that aren't, this provides them a little bit of an opportunity to say that they've been to a Chihuahua's baseball camp. So this is something big in their life," said Sandie Olivar, the Executive Director of the Miracle League of El Paso.
The camp allows the young athletes to be themselves and have fun while learning and being physically active.
"Don't feel like you have to modify your kids' behavior because a lot of us feel that way when we're out in public, you know, so that our kids don't get noticed and looked at. But here is a really safe environment," said Bertha Gutierrez mother of a youth attending the camp.
"We all have kids with issues and behaviors that society doesn't believe fit in there, but here it's safe. Nobody's gonna look at you ugly. Everybody's gonna applaud their accomplishments no matter how small," she added.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Chihuahuas will host their annual "Play Ball weekend" festivities on Saturday.
It's taking place at Ponder Park in East El Paso from 9 a.m. to Noon.
The Borderland's professional baseball team partners with the Miracle League of El Paso every year to encourage kids to pick up a bat, hoping they'll fall in love with America's pastime.
Kids can learn different skills, compete in adaptive games, and have the chance to meet Chico the Chihuahua.
The event is free and open to all.
