Force All-Stars hits home run with children

[toutembed=s2u43q]SANDUSKY — Josie Myers, 6, channeled her inner Jason Kipnis and, just like the Cleveland Indians second baseman does so often, slapped a single through the middle.Josie Myers, 6, hits the ball while playing on the North Force All Stars team at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.She then blazed around the baselines, beating tags and turning razor-sharp corners before finally, and proudly, stomping on home plate.Josie Myers, 6, and her dad, Jason, run the bases during a North Force All Stars T-ball game on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center.After hearing the umpire exclaim "Safe!" it evoked a wide grin on her face.Standing near the dugout, Sandusky resident Jennifer Myers flashed an even wider smile upon seeing her daughter cheerfully competing in a T-ball game."This makes me feel so good because it makes her so happy," Myers said. "She is able to come out here and do her best — and that is good enough, which is perfect."As Josie Myers, 6, makes it to first base, grandmother Sue White, left, and mother Jen Myers, right, cheer for her on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center.Josie joined about 20 other locals who, on Wednesday, participated in what's called the Force All-Stars contest, taking place twice a week within Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center.Debuting in mid-March, Sports Force features 10 multipurpose fields, largely catering to youth travel teams for baseball, lacrosse, soccer and softball.But one play area in particular stands out above the others.It's not because the Sports Force Adaptive Field prominently features a hulking Green Monster-like wall in left field.Dillon Tran, 9, sprints to make it to home plate during a game of T-ball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.Rather the diamond is specifically tailored to children with developmental disabilities and special needs, where they can play just like any other child within Sports Force's 57-acre complex."Inclusion is the key," said Brian Storm, The Sports Force's president and CEO. "We want people from all walks of life, and all abilities, to be able to enjoy this park. That is really important to me."Aaliyah Sidell, 6, scoops up the ball while playing third base at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Aaliyah was invited to play T-ball by her cousin Kyler Hartley.Myers perfectly epitomizes Storm's statement."What is important is that we have a kid that is having a good time, but equally important are the parents, who get to see their children participate in something that they might not have otherwise participated in," Storm said. "The smile on the child's face is important. That smile on the parent's face is maybe more important."Kyler Hartley, 12, smiles while playing on the North Force All Stars team on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky.Sports Force employees invite any child to come out and play at the Adaptive Field."The kids are all having a great time," Sports Force's team coordinator Megan Centers said. "They are just enjoying themselves, and the parents love it, too. It's just a great chance for everyone to get out and have some fun."While playing on the North Force All Stars team, Angela Sirene, 14, hits the ball on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky.No where else in the area offers this type of play area or group activity for children with special needs.Thus providing a service like the Adaptive Field greatly contributes in making all children feel accepted across the community and feel good about themselves, said Carrie Beier, who serves as superintendent for the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities."Sports Force and its inclusive facility bring to our community a great place for children with their disabilities and their families to experience the joy, excitement and love of sports," Beier said. "The Sports Force's philosophy values children and individuals of all skill levels and abilities and supports all families and children to fully participate in community sporting events."Coen Ortega, 8, slides to stop the ball during a T-ball game on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky.Want to go?What: Force All-Star games, consisting of T-ball and kickball gamesWhere: Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center's Adaptive Field, 3115 Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), SanduskyWhen: Games take place 6-7 p.m. on Mondays and WednesdayWho: Anyone child with developmental disabilities or special needs can playCost: Free; sponsored by Under Armour, each participant also receives a hat and T-shirtMore: Visit sportsforceparkssandusky.com or call (844)-737-2757 for more information[gallery]Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Dillon Tran, 9, swings the bat to hit the ball while playing T-ball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Sandusky.Noah Clark, 5, takes off to first base while his dad, Brad, follows during a T-ball game at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.Noah Clark, 5, keeps his eye on the ball while playing T-ball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.While waiting to bat, Kyler Hartley, 12, rests his foot on a baseball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.Aaliyah Sidell, 6, rounds second base as she runs to third base while playing T-ball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.Coen Ortega, 8, shows that he is watching one of the volunteers in the outfield while playing T-ball at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.