BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox will recognize several local families and advocates in the disability community, as well as the Paralympics and Special Olympics tonight during the Disability Awareness Night pregame ceremonies before the 7:10 p.m. Red Sox-Tampa Bay Rays game. July is Disability Pride Month.
Tonight’s ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Paralympian rower and silver medalist Allie Reilly and Kevin Doyle, a member of the Red Sox’ media relations staff since 1999 and a local educator for students in need of special education services.
Siblings Paul Sylvestre and Lillian Kearney of Boxford, Massachusetts, representing the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, will sing the National Anthem before tonight’s game. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress works to ensure individuals with Down Syndrome are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives.
Play Ball will be performed by seven-year-old Owen West of Worcester, representing Horace Mann Education Associates (HMEA), and eighteen-year old Tyler Buckley of Waltham, representing The Arc of Massachusetts, an organization that works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families.
Tonight’s ceremony will also include special recognition of Special Olympics athletes Shaquille Medina and Joe Stone.
Disability Awareness Night was coordinated in partnership with HMEA, which aims to teach, support and empower people with developmental disabilities and their families to live meaningful lives of their choice. Disability Awareness Night is part of the City of Boston’s All-Inclusive Boston culture and tourism initiative and the Red Sox’ ongoing effort to make Fenway Park an inclusive environment for all fans.