Children Take The Field To Raise Autism Awareness

Oklahoma Softball Tournaments for a Cause partnered with a local charity to raise autism awareness Sunday morning in Bixby.

Before the first game began, softball coach Matthew Wilborn had his son, Hudson, who was diagnosed with autism, throw the ceremonial first pitch.

The tournament will be benefiting Autism Oklahoma, a local nonprofit that focuses on improving the quality of life for children with autism and their families.

Wilborn said the games mean more than just winning.

"I'm really thankful for the cause," Wilborn said. "It means a lot to me because of the organization Autism Oklahoma and the benefits that it brings to families around Oklahoma." 

Oklahoma Softball Tournaments for a Cause aims to help other local charities.

Autism Oklahoma director of community engagement Crystal Frost released a statement, saying nonprofits have taken a huge hit due to the pandemic, but she also said she's grateful that they are finding a fun way to raise autism awareness.

Wilborn said the organization has helped him and his family more than they can imagine.

"Having an autistic kid is very difficult and those services and those things that people bring,” Wilborn said. “It really helps out families.”

Wilborn's team wore colored socks to show its support for autism awareness in style. 

"Just thankful for my team and my awesome parents of this team and these girls have come a long way,” Wilborn said. “And just really thankful for Jessica Franks to put on this tournament.”