Sometimes, a sporting event is about more than the final score and the two teams on the field.
On Saturday, April 6, Eastchester’s varsity boys and girls lacrosse teams hosted White Plains at Haindl Field for the program’s annual “Light Up the Night For Autism” event, to raise awareness and acceptance for autism and promote a more inclusive environment both in Eastchester’s athletic community and beyond. One of the athletic department’s keystone events during the year, the lacrosse double-header shined a light on the strides the Eastchester athletic department is making in terms of community outreach and promoting athletic opportunities for all.
Eastchester’s ‘Light up the Night for Autism’ event was initially launched during the 2009 spring season and has been run regularly in the years since. Initially, proceeds from the night were split between Eastchester SEPTA and various outside organizations, including Autism Speaks. For the last several years, the funds not allocated to Eastchester SEPTA have gone to support the South East Consortium, a Mamaroneck-based organization that provides recreation opportunities to children and adults with special needs.
Eastchester Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Brad Gitlin noted that with so many groups involved in the event—the town of Eastchester, Eastchester SEPTA, Sports Club, South East Consortium and Athletic Department all have a hand in putting the night together—the weekend has become a true testament to the bonds of the community.
“It’s one of the events we hold each year that allows our community to be engaged in a way that transcends athletics,” said Gitlin. “Although we’re using athletics as a means to spread an important message, this is about supporting groups that provide important opportunities for students.”
On the field, Eastchester’s boys and girls teams split the day, with the boys falling to White Plains in a 10-5 thriller that was much closer than the final score indicated and the girls topping the Tigers 11-7 behind an impressive seven-goal day from Emma Kelly.
“Whether its Unified Sports or programs aligned with the Pupil Personnel Services Department, this is a night where people can share a message, enjoy sports and help to create an inclusive environment,” said Gitlin. “There is a message, this is Autism Awareness month, but in general, we have doubled down on inclusivity in athletics; this is just another way to share what we do with the entire school community.”
