By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director, FCVA
Presented by Fas Mart© in Partnership with the Richmond Flying Squirrels
Friendship Circle of Virginia is gearing up for its 3rd annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond, presented by Fas Mart© and in partnership with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, on Sunday, May 19th, at 1:35 p.m.
This inclusive event aims to provide a welcoming and enjoyable experience for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Richmond community.
One of the main highlights of the event is the distribution of 10,000 free tickets to the game through over 135 disability and mental health organizations across RVA. The festivities are open to the entire RVA community.
Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond is possible thanks to the generous sponsors who believe in building an inclusive community: Fas Mart, Allianz, Capital One, Dominion, Genworth, Heritage Wealth, Markel, Rudlin Torah Academy, UPS Gayton Crossing, and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
Inclusion Day promises unique features to enhance the experience for attendees with disabilities. These include increased accessible seating, a full sensory zone and quiet space, kid-friendly field activities, lower speaker volume throughout the ballpark, and services for fans with visual or hearing impairments.
Attendees can also look forward to a special free giveaway.
Richmond Native and American Idol finalist, Shayy Winn, will return to perform the National Anthem. Shayy is a legally blind singer who appeared on Season 17 of American Idol. The inclusion of such talent further emphasizes the commitment to showcasing and celebrating abilities of all individuals.
Positive testimonials from families who attended previous events highlight the success of the Disability Inclusion Day initiative.
A grandparent shared “My 11-year-old grandson has autism. He had been miserable at a few baseball games he had attended due to the noise levels. But thanks to Friendship Circle he had a blast!!! The entire family got to have fun as they enjoyed all of the sensory centers you had provided. This was a dream come true!”
The Richmond Flying Squirrels, whose slogan is “Fun For All,” have embraced the Friendship Circle’s mission, as noted by Parney, saying, “The Friendship Circle and the Flying Squirrels were made for each other because the Flying Squirrel’s slogan is Fun For All and the Friendship Circle lives that every day.”
Parents of children with disabilities also shared their appreciation for the event, expressing newfound connections and resources that have positively impacted their lives.
One parent remarked, “We finally have an opportunity to connect to the disability community after feeling so lonely and isolated with my son who is newly diagnosed. Now we have resources and a community of support we didn’t even know existed!” and another parent shared “My son and his family were treated to an unbelievably wonderful day of FUN as you and your team invested your time, talents, vision, and love into their lives by giving them a FANTASTIC experience at the Flying Squirrels game!“
For additional information about Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond and to claim your free tickets, visit InclusionDayRVA.com. To learn more about Friendship Circle of Virginia and their initiatives, visit friendshipcircleva.org.
Friendship Circle of Virginia, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to facilitating friendships and social opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities.
