East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County is set to sponsor the annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY/Disability, Dream & Do (D3Day) Baseball Camp at Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill on Saturday, Aug. 3. The event aims to provide a day of baseball activities for children and young adults with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. This free camp, which highlights Dutchess County’s commitment to inclusivity, is organized in collaboration with the Hudson Valley Renegades and Disability Dream & Do (D3Day). It will run from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with registration available online at hudson-valley.d3day.fun/home.

County Executive Sue Serino emphasized the initiative's focus on creating an inclusive environment: “Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative has always been about creating a supportive, inclusive and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities. It is another great example of our community coming together to support one another and create lasting memories.”

Participants will engage in various baseball activities such as hitting, fielding, throwing, and base-running exercises under the guidance of Renegades players and coaches. Each participant will receive a free camp T-shirt, lunch, and tickets to the Renegades’ game on Aug. 4.

Renegades General Manager Zach Betkowski expressed pride in supporting the local community: “While our team plays at Heritage Financial Park from April through September, Dutchess County is our home year-round, and we’re proud to give back to the local community through efforts like this annual event.”

Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the camp's success. Local residents are encouraged to volunteer by signing up at d3day.com/register-volunteer.

Additionally, community members can nominate individuals who advocate for people of all abilities for the “Pulling Each Other Along” Award. Nominations can be submitted at d3day.com/peoa-award.

Doug Cornfield, executive director of Disability Dream & Do (D3Day), highlighted the collaborative effort: “We are proud to once again collaborate with Dutchess County Government, the Hudson Valley Renegades and other local organizations to inspire children of all abilities to pursue their dreams and passions.”