Goldeyes hosting first-ever Autism Acceptance Game in effort to make baseball more inclusive

CTV’s Daniel Halmarson has more on the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ initiative to help introduce kids with autism to baseball.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are working to make baseball more inclusive with a new concept for Thursday’s game.

The team is hosting its first-ever Autism Acceptance Game as a way to introduce kids with autism to the sport by meeting them where they’re at.

That means the ballpark will be quieter and safe spaces have been set up to take breaks from the crowd.

Five-year-old Cyrus Banjavich lives with autism and is taking in his first Goldeyes game. It will be extra special for him as he is also throwing out the first pitch.

“His independence is really, really impressive. I’m so proud of this little guy,” said Cyrus’ dad, Geoff.

He said sports have been a way for Cyrus to connect with the world around him.

“I found that sports seemed to be a bridge for him to understanding and understanding a lot about himself too.”

Geoff said Cyrus started with swimming lessons and watching hockey. He was able to watch the Manitoba Moose at their Autism Acceptance Game earlier this year.

“I thought (what) was amazing, is how everything came together with so much support for these little guys. And I thought, ‘Why don’t we do this for the Goldeyes?’”

It didn’t take much convincing for the baseball team and St. Amant Foundation to jump on board to celebrate acceptance and inclusivity.

“This game, it’s for the kids,” said Tania Douglas, the executive director of St. Amant. “It’s for people with autism and everything is set up for them to be able to have a great night and be included with everybody else.”

The Goldeyes are making sure everyone will feel comfortable.

“We have sensory kits at the fan services booths with earplugs and fidget toys. We have our family lounge that, if things get too loud or overwhelming, they can take them in there and relax for a bit,” said Andrew Collier, the general manager of the team.

Banjavich said these types of experiences are invaluable for kids like Cyrus and open up a world of possibilities, one step at a time.

“The more inclusivity that we have for our kids this way, the more options they will have in this world. And that’s what I want him to have, all the options,” said Geoff.

All proceeds raised through 50/50 and buying items like plushies will go to the St. Amant Foundation to support their autism outreach programs.