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The Turtle Wing Foundation has been a consistent advocate for children with special needs since their inception in Schulenburg in 2011. Since then, they have partnered with several local area schools to increase the opportunities for these students as well as increasing awareness and acceptance of the different challenges these special needs children face. Columbus was one of the most recent teams to partner with the foundation, playing part in one of the many “Autism Acceptance Games” around the area.
“The games are another way the foundation strives to create a culture of acceptance within the communities it serves,” Executive Director Destiny Psencik said, “Every year, the number of games and partnerships with schools have grown... We strive to create a culture of acceptance of those with all learning challenges in our rural communities.”
Prior to the Columbus softball game on Monday, April 10 and the Columbus baseball game the following day, certain students from Columbus’ special needs programs had the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch along with a special presentation. Mia took the first pitch to get the Lady Cards’ softball game started, while John and Issac threw out the first pitches for the Cards’ baseball team.
The students were recognized and celebrated while the Turtle Wing Foundation accepted donations for the Chuck Brown Ford sponsored #MakeOurMatch campaign. The dealership has offered to match every donation that is made at these Autism Acceptance Games as well as any donations to the Foundation until May 6 up to a five-thousand-dollar limit.
