Special Needs Athletics compete at the Ballpark
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NORTHEAST JACKSON, Tenn. – Special Needs Athletics took their talents to the Ballpark at Jackson this week for their final summer baseball game. Several local motorcycle clubs assisted with the unique opportunity. “We wanted them to play on the same ball field as the future Seattle Mariners,” founder Michael Richerson said. “The motorcycle groups let them sit on the motorcycle and rev up the engine and let them get a feel of what riding a motorcycle is like. They take our athletes in and make them feel very special.” Bumpus Harley Davidson, Golden Circle Harley Owners Group and Iron Order Motorcycle Club Dirty South donated more $3,000 total to Special Needs Athletics. In addition to the large donation presentation, each kid was given a trophy with their name on it. “We hope to reach as many athletes as we can. We’re right at 350 athletes throughout the various sports we serve,” Richerson said. “We would like to see it grow. We have a league here in Jackson and Selmer.” Richerson, who started this organization in his teens, added the community support continues to amaze him. “People came out the wood work as soon as they heard about special needs athletics. It’s continued to grow over the years. It’s amazing what its become since the years we started it.” To learn more about the non-profit organization, visit http://specialneedsathletics.org.
