What Brings Us to the Ballpark
The Best Part of Heroes Cup Isn’t on the Scoreboard
July 21, 2026
On July 31, Holman Stadium will once again fill with cheering fans, first responders, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, and plenty of baseball.
But Heroes Cup is much more than a game between Team Fire and Team Police.
Each first responder is paired with a Special Olympics New Hampshire athlete, creating opportunities to build friendships long before the first pitch. Together, they help raise funds to support Special Olympics New Hampshire, while athletes also play an important role in making game day unforgettable. Throughout the evening, select athletes will work alongside Holman Stadium staff helping with everything from announcing and on-field games to raffle sales and other fan experiences.
When we started asking the players and athletes what being part of the Heroes Cup means to them, we expected to hear about baseball.
Instead, they talked about people.
For Exeter Area athlete Martha Boddy, this year’s Heroes Cup will be her first. She’s excited to meet the player she’s been paired with and hopes it turns into “a long, great friendship.”
That idea comes up again and again.
Nashua athlete Connor Handspicker is looking forward to seeing his partner, firefighter Michael Montembeault, again and says Heroes Cup is special because he gets to spend time laughing with friends, athletes, police officers, and firefighters year after year.
Jeffrey Menard says one of his favorite parts of Heroes Cup is the relationship he builds with his paired player.
“My paired player always cheers me on, talks with me, and treats me like an equal teammate,” Jeffrey said. “That makes me feel welcomed and appreciated.”
Those relationships are exactly what bring first responders back each summer.
“I wanted to be part of something bigger than just another baseball game,” said Team Police player Tyler Thorgerson. “Being able to play the sport I love while raising money for Special Olympics New Hampshire and supporting such an incredible community made it an easy decision.”
After returning year after year, Tyler says it’s the athletes who make Heroes Cup unforgettable.
“The athletes have an incredible attitude and genuine appreciation for everyone who supports them. Spending time with them reminds you that joy, determination, and sportsmanship are what sports are really about.”
That feeling goes both ways.
Team Fire player Jonathan McCue says sports have shaped his own life, and Heroes Cup gives him the chance to help make those same opportunities possible for others.
“I love being able to help people play sports,” he said. “They’ve been such a big part of my life, and I want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate.”
For Team Police player Ben Olmstead, Heroes Cup simply combines “a love for the game and a love for helping others.” As a first responder, he says his job often means helping people on the worst days of their lives. Heroes Cup gives him the opportunity to make a difference on one of their best.
Those moments leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.
For Team Police player Damian Gibson, one of his favorite memories isn’t a win or a big play. It’s celebrating alongside the athletes after a hit or a run and seeing the excitement on their faces.
Heroes Cup also creates unforgettable moments beyond the baseball field. Last year, athlete Meg Statz checked a bucket-list dream off by performing the National Anthem before the game.
This year, another Team NH athlete will take center stage as Brett Clough, fresh off representing New Hampshire at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, performs the National Anthem before Team New Hampshire is recognized during a special on-field celebration honoring the delegation’s return.
Whether it’s a first meeting, a reunion with a teammate, or a friendship that continues long after the final out, Heroes Cup is a reminder that everyone belongs on the same team.
Whether it’s a first meeting, a reunion with a teammate, or a friendship that continues long after the final out, Heroes Cup is a reminder that everyone belongs on the same team.
Join us on Friday, July 31, at Holman Stadium in Nashua for Team Fire vs. Team Police, a special celebration honoring Team New Hampshire’s return from the 2026 USA Games, Brett Clough’s National Anthem performance, fireworks, and a night built around inclusion, community, and connection.
As players, athletes, and supporters continue working toward their fundraising goals, we’d also like to extend a special thank you to the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust for its incredible generosity and belief in the mission of Special Olympics New Hampshire. The Trust’s $15,000 matching gift for Team Fire inspired supporters to rally behind the team and helped amplify the impact of every dollar donated.
Whether you support Team Fire, Team Police, or your favorite player or athlete, every ticket purchased, every donation, and every person in the stands helps create life-changing opportunities for Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes across the Granite State.