MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Saturday is World Autism Day, a chance to spread awareness and celebrate those living with autism.
The CDC says one in 68 children are born on the autism spectrum and it’s even more pronounced in boys.
Multiple groups from across our region came out to support the cause.
The Myrtle Beach Speedway painted its walls blue and put up blue lights as part of the nationwide ‘Light it Up Blue’ awareness campaign.
All the cars racing on Saturday also had the Champion Autism Network sticker to raise awareness with race fans.
At the Pelicans stadium in Myrtle Beach, former major league baseball star Reggie Sanders put on the advantage games.
It was a way for families with children suffering from autism to get out and showcase their skill on the baseball field.
Therapists carefully designed the games to help kids work on their motor skills and team building.
Rain cut the games short on Saturday, but folks still enjoyed lunch and the chance to meet the world series champ.
Sanders founded the Reggie Sanders Foundation in 2012 as a way to remove the stigma of living with autism and provide a safe place for them to be.
“I think that a lot of people with autism are proud and happy with their personalities to have autism, and I think a lot people don’t know that. Some people feel bad for them or feel sorry for them, but I don’t think they would want that and it’s a real good message to send,” said Adam Law who attended the event.
Sanders’ brother has autism and beyond his personal connection he says he was moved to act by the sheer amount of families touched by autism.
“The number and the spectrum is really a large spectrum and so for the me, I think its my duty and my privilege to support in any way that I can in any sector,” said Sanders.
Sanders also hosted a celebrity softball game to raise money for his foundation.
