Dutchmen players went to the Callahan Fieldhouse at Siena College to join athletes from Special Olympics for traditional Dance Party.
June 17th, 2017
ALBANY, N.Y.- The Dutchmen have continuously shown a commitment throughout the 2017 season to being active in the Albany community. For many of them, they are excited to give back to the capital district, which for some has been a welcoming home for the very first first time.
The commitment to community service is most common fulfilled by the Dutchmen in their most familiar arena, sports. A common mindset throughout the team acknowledges their collective fortune allowing them to play the sport they love most, and they feel the least they can do is allow others the opportunity to play the sports they love.
This concept was portrayed no better than when the Dutchmen volunteered at the Special Olympics New York Summer Games 2017 right at Siena College on June 17. Several Dutchmen players volunteered as “Fans in the Stands” at basketball and aquatics. They made signs, interacted with dozens of athletes, and cheered on everybody in sight as they achieved their individual and collective athletic accomplishments.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team was out Saturday morning lending a helping hand to two other community events. Several players were out early at the Strides 4 Stride 5k at the Jennings Landing Amphitheatre in Albany. STRIDE Adaptive Sports a non-for-profit organization with a goal to raise awareness and recognize people for their healthy and active lifestyles despite disabilities of any kind.
The Challenger Division of Little League International was yet another volunteer destination for Dutchmen players Saturday morning. Players helped out instructing players’ techniques, sharing tips, and pitching to the Challenger players.
After the doubleheader sweep over the Glens Falls Dragons, the entire team reconvened at the Special Olympics Closing Ceremony just in time for the traditional “Dance Party.” The team celebrated in conjunction with the Special Olympics in acknowledgment of the inspiration and determination portrayed by each and every one of the athletes. Dutchmen players danced amongst the athletes in a beautiful show of solidarity.
While June 17 was the most active day of the summer thus far, there are several other causes the Dutchmen are proud to have served. Several other visits to Challenger Leagues, the Soap Box Derby in Schenectady, a CDTA Come Play Clinic, and a Guilderland Baseball Clinic with over 70 young baseball and softball players top the list.
The Dutchmen look forward to continuing their charitable outreach programs for the rest of the summer. The Albany Dutchmen thank the greater Albany area for welcoming ballplayers from all across the country into the community. The team is committed to growing their role in the community by being a positive and impactful contributor.
