For years, “Covering the Bases,” an annual 24 hour fundraiser, benefited a league for special needs players called the Horizon League. The fundraiser’s goal: help the league sustain low cost programs, equipment, and scholarships.  This community-wide event gives 100 percent raised back to the Horizon League and the Horizon Field.

“This event is great community awareness, the athletes as you can tell are having an awesome time, the families appreciate it and the support we get from the community, the police department, I think this is wonderful. As the coordinator I couldn’t run this league, this field, program without the police department’s help and fundraising efforts,” said Lauren Ham, Special Populations Coordinator for the Acworth Parks Recreation and Community Department.

Over the past six years, the Acworth Police Department fundraised over $100,000 for the league. However, Police Chief Wayne Dennard points toward the event’s community value: “The community value is just over the top. When you see these kids play, that is what really makes it hit home, and you realize why we do what we do. And then you meet friends and families who are here every year for six years volunteering. It’s partnerships and all of these people pitching in to make these families have a little bit of a better day. Ain’t that fantastic? It’s pretty neat. And to see the way these people come together and just pitch in for a cause, it’s just clean, fun, lifting each other up.”

What makes the Horizon Field special? Unlike the typical dirt of normal baseball fields, the field is a cushioned plastic perfect for those in wheelchairs who cannot play on a dirt field. Along with the Horizon Field is the adjacent playground, also made specially with those with disabilities.

Fundraisers like the “Covering the Bases” help keep this facilities running, and gives much needed community support and awareness. The league provides strength and community to those with children with disabilities and gives those children the opportunity to participate in a sport they may not otherwise be able to.