Join Us for the Bravest vs. Finest Hero’s Cup Saturday
Police vs. Fire Classic at Delta Dental Stadium at 1:30pm
Concord, NH (October 9, 2023) – After countless hours of training and two hard-fought scrimmage games local police and fire personnel are ready to take the field for this year’s classic baseball clash. The former “Battle of the Badges” game is now a benefit for Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH). The game takes place this Saturday, October 14th at 1:30pm at Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, the home of the Fisher Cats.
The Hero’s Cup is presented by the Attainable Savings Plan, the ABLE savings plan offered by MEFA. The game features players and coaches from 17 law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire and 14 fire/rescue/EMS entities in the Granite State.
While the baseball will be fiercely competitive as usual, there will be some differences this year for the fans. There will be no formal admission fee or ticketing this year. In the spirit of inclusion, any donation to SONH at the gate gets individuals into the stadium and includes a numbered ticket for entry into door prize drawings. “We appreciate any and all donations, and plan to provide a great day of family fun and entertainment for everyone who wants to be part of it” according to Special Olympics New Hampshire President and CEO Mary Conroy. Gates open at noon and families, individuals and groups are encouraged to get there early to meet SONH athletes and enjoy all that the stadium has to offer. Stadium concession stands will be open on Saturday.
The players are excited to be playing for SONH programs and athletes. “SONH is an amazing organization. The athletes are a true inspiration for the hard work and dedication they put into their respective sporting events. The families, friends and supporters of SONH are a fantastic group who are very supportive. Being able to raise funds so all involved can do even more is going to be awesome,” according to Team Police coach/player Ed Shaughnessy, chief of the Bradford, New Hampshire Police Department.
Manchester Firefighter Jon Lopez coaches Team Fire and says, “I enjoy giving back to an organization that has values and puts those with intellectual disabilities first.” While this is the first year these teams have been playing for SONH, the players have discovered first-hand that the athletes of SONH have the utmost respect for those in public safety positions.
“While this is a first-time event for us, the players, coaches and personnel from the New Hampshire Fisher Cats have been instrumental in making this event come together,” according to Mary Conroy. “While sports are at our core, and we are certainly no stranger to large-scale events, this has been some new territory for us. The cooperation and hard work of everyone involved has been greatly appreciated,” she continued.
Special Olympics New Hampshire serves more than 3000 athletes statewide and boasts a volunteer force of nearly 5000 Granite Staters. Saturday, September 9th is also SONH Athlete and Volunteer Appreciation Day, and many athletes and volunteers will be at the stadium for the game.
The game is this Saturday at Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester. Gates open at noon time on Saturday with the first pitch at 1:30pm. “The players on the field, our athletes and our volunteers are all heroes. We hope people will join us Saturday for a celebration of all these astounding individuals” Mary Conroy said in closing.
For questions about the Bravest vs. Finest Hero’s Cup please email Mark Ericson at MarkE@sonh.org. More information about Special Olympics New Hampshire is available at www.SONH.org.
About SONH:
Special Olympics New Hampshire (SONH) is an accredited program of Special Olympics International (SOI) and is part of an international global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance.
About MEFA:
MEFA’s mission, since its founding in 1982, has been to help students and families access and afford higher education and reach financial goals through education programs, tax-advantaged savings plans, fixed-rate loans, and expert guidance. All of MEFA’s work aligns with the ever-present goal to support the independence, growth, and success of students and families. Visit mefa.org to learn more or follow MEFA on Twitter @mefatweets, Facebook at mefaMA, LinkedIn, and Instagram. MEFA is a state authority in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that serves students and families nationwide. MEFA is not reliant on state or federal appropriations.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Ericson
603-624-1250 Ext. 22
MarkE@sonh.org