The second annual Swing for a Solution will take place at 4 p.m. Friday as Gilmour Academy's varsity and junior varsity softball teams host Geneva High School.
The event had been scheduled for Wednesday, but was changed due to tournament games. Swing for a Solution was created by Gilmour assistant coach Kristy Booher to honor fellow assistant coach Mandy Hansen and her autistic son, Michael.
“Motherhood is an all-consuming role in itself,” said Booher. “And when one of the children has special needs, it doesn’t make life any easier. I admire Mandy for the time she gives to each of her children, not to mention the volunteer work she does through their schools and through organizations involved with Michael and autism.”
It is estimated that in the United States, one child in 110 is diagnosed with autism – for a total of 1.5 million – according to the Autism Speaks website. For boys, that number is one in 70.
In addition to having players wear commemorative shirts to raise awareness, apparel will be sold at the game to benefit the nonprofit organization Autism Speaks.
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