Dutchess County, Hudson Valley Renegades to Host
3rd Annual Special Needs Baseball Camp
at Dutchess Stadium August 3
Dave Clark Foundation presents Disability, Dream & Do Baseball Camp
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County will again partner with the Hudson Valley Renegades to host the third annual Disability, Dream & Do (D3) Baseball Camp, event at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill on Saturday, August 3rd.
The camp, which takes place from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., is free to local children and young adults with special needs; pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Parents or legal guardians can register their children online, and participants will receive a free camp T-shirt and hat, lunch and beverages. Participants, their immediate family members and caregivers also will receive complimentary tickets to the Renegades’ August 4th game at Dutchess Stadium against the West Virginia Black Bears.
In addition to throwing, catching and batting fun, children and young adults of all abilities who take part in the D3 camp will learn the game from Renegades players and coaches – receiving instruction in hitting and fielding skills at various stations, as well as participating in a “high-five game” with their fellow campers at the event’s conclusion.
Volunteers are also sought to make the baseball camp as successful as possible. Those looking to give their time on August 3rd can sign up online. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling (845) 475-3578.
The camp will be presented by the Dave Clark Foundation, which operates similar camps throughout the United States. A native of Corning, NY, Mr. Clark was diagnosed with polio as a child but became a professional baseball pitcher, coach, manager, scout, broadcaster and team owner – a career in the game that has lasted more than 40 years. His accolades off the field include receiving the National Giant Steps Award for his coaching and being honored at the White House by President Bill Clinton for his work. Mr. Clark won the National Heroes of Sports Award in 1999 and the Bo Jackson Courage Award in 2011, among other honors.
The Dave Clark Foundation’s Disability, Dream & Do Camps have been nationally recognized, including being named Minor League Baseball’s 2012 Promotion of the Year runner-up.
Mr. Clark said, “Countless children and young adults have benefited from our Disability, Dream & Do camps since their inception, and participants in our past D3 camps at Dutchess Stadium know what a remarkable event this has become. We urge children, young adults and their families to register for a great weekend – the chance to learn a great game and make new friends. No dream is ever impossible, and we’ll make dreams at Dutchess Stadium on August 3rd and 4th.”
Mr. Gliner hosted the D3 Camp for 11 years with his former team, the Fort Myers (Fla.) Miracle, before returning to the Renegades in 2017. Last year’s second annual camp at Dutchess Stadium attracted more than 100 participants of every ability, making it the most highly attended D3 camp in the organization’s history, as well as dozens of volunteers.
As part of the weekend, organizers will present one local resident with the Pulling Each Other Along Award, which recognizes the notable contributions of those who have selflessly helped others in the disability community. Residents are encouraged to nominate potential honorees online.
