Sports facility for people with disabilities seeks to raise funds

LANCASTER − A local charitable organization is raising funds to build a new sports facility that has the potential to provide access to hundreds of people with disabilities.

All-Accessible Sports Complex is holding a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13, at Little Brook Meadows,100 Edgewood Drive.

"It's an open house event where people can come, we're having a ballpark theme, casual food," said Treasurer of All-Accessible Sports Complex Melissa Eaton. "We'll have information so people can see what it's gonna look like or how they can help."

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The money raised will help build a sports facility that will include a variety of different sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and more. This location will specifically be targeted at creating an accessible spot for people with disabilities to be active. The field will be rubberized to create a softer playing area that will be less likely to cause injuries.

"The whole purpose of this complex is to be a place where people with disabilities can play, a safe place," said Eaton.

President of All-Accessible Sports Complex David Macioci said that there are 300 to 400 people with disabilities in the area who will be eligible to use the facility. For Macioci, it is seeing the kids he will help be active that makes it worth it.

"For me, it's the satisfaction to get out and see these kids participate," said Macioci. "(Eaton's) family has cared for people with disabilities for years."

For Eaton, helping people with disabilities is a personal cause that has been passed down throughout her family. She hopes to carry on that family legacy.

"That's been a passion of my dad and his family," said Eaton. "He had two handicapped siblings growing up, so his family got heavily involved helping people with any kind of disabilities so I want to carry on that love from the family."

Anyone who wants to donate but can't make it to the fundraiser can contribute at www.playingwithoutlimits.org or mail a donation to All-Accessible Sports Complex, Fairfield County Foundation, 162 E Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio.

Those who plan on attending the fundraiser should RSVP at allaccessiblesportscomplex@gmail.com.