Celebrating Sensory-Friendly Day at the Ballpark with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

At ABS Kids, our commitment to inclusion shines through at events like Sensory-Friendly Day at the ballpark, creating memorable experiences for families and children with autism or sensory sensitivities and fostering a supportive community. 

By Jeremi Fulmore, Communications Associate at ABS Kids 

Hey everyone! I just had to share my incredible experience from this past weekend when ABS Kids sponsored a sensory-friendly baseball game with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in North Carolina. It was an amazing day filled with joy and inclusivity – from the ceremonial first pitch, which was thrown by an ABS Kids colleague, to the sensory bags packed with Slinkys and fidget spinners.  

The entire day was truly a special experience for everyone, especially children with sensory sensitivities and their families. 

A Day to Remember 

The weather was sizzling like a hotdog on the grill, but having my ABS Kids fan handy saved the day – big shout out to our team who provided the swag!  

Seeing all the families, kids, and co-workers was the highlight of the event for me. The children's smiles as they discovered their sensory bags were priceless, as were the faces of the parents and caregivers when they saw how happy their children were.  

For me, it’s moments like these that really drive home how important and impactful the work we do at ABS Kids can be. Being a part of events like this can go a long way to inspiring those of us who work to help children on the spectrum, especially those of us who are not working with them on a day-to-day basis. 

The Importance of Sensory-Friendly Events 

Sensory sensitivity can make traditional outings overwhelming for many children. The crowds. The loud music and announcements. The constant chaos of a game that for many of us seems enjoyable can have a very different feel for children with autism. 

That's why sensory-friendly events are so important. They provide a comfortable environment where these kids can enjoy activities with reduced stress. Tailored events like this one with the Cannon Ballers (or the one we recently did with the Winston-Salem Dash) are not just beneficial for the kids. They also offer parents a chance to relax and enjoy quality family time.  

Plus, such events raise awareness and acceptance about sensory sensitivity within the community. 

Community and Volunteer Dedication 

This sensory-friendly baseball game beautifully showcased the power of community and the dedication of our volunteers. It also shows that the Cannon Ballers care about serving their community beyond just entertaining us with a fun day of baseball. 

The event wouldn't have been possible without everyone’s hard work and the support from the local community. It’s amazing what we can achieve together! 

Join Us for Future Events 

I encourage you all to visit our website and Instagram to stay updated on our upcoming events.  

We’re committed to creating more inclusive experiences for all children and their families. A big thanks to the Marketing team and the NC region for making the day so special. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at our next event!