CHESTER – Frozen Ropes USA’s National Training Center, located in Chester, N.Y., kicked off a new program this past February called Athletes With Excellence (AWE). The AWE program serves athletes in the Mid-Hudson Valley with developmental disabilities.

Over 35 individuals, including athletes, parents and coaches were in attendance. The athletes played dodge ball. Refreshments were also served.

The program was spearheaded by a Frozen Ropes USA employee, Sean Eubanks. Mr. Eubanks is autistic and works part-time handling facility duties for the baseball and softball training center. Mr. Eubanks says his love for sports and the staff at Frozen Ropes makes his job very enjoyable.

“I love working at Frozen Ropes because I love baseball,” Eubanks said. “The staff cares about me and I care about them.”

Frozen Rope USA National Director Tony Abbatine has mentored Mr. Eubanks during his time as an employee and felt a strong urge to create a program where Sean and his friends could socialize on weekends.

“Sean is a big part of the Frozen Ropes family,” Abbatine said. “It means the world to us to have him around here, and to see him and his friends enjoy an event like this shows that sports can bring everyone together. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the near future.”

The AWE program will be looking to expands its offering for other sports outside of dodge ball, including wiffle ball, soccer, handball, flag football and more. Frozen Ropes USA is hoping that their other nationwide facilities will adopt similar programs for individuals with developmental disabilities in their respective communities.

The next AWE event will be held on Friday, March 22, from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Frozen Ropes Chester is located at 24 Old Black Meadow Rd., Chester, N.Y., 10918. If you are interested in attending the AWE event, or would like more information, please contact Blain Bradley at blain.bradley@frozenropes.com.