Sports can provide more than entertainment. Sometimes a passion for a sport can spark ideas, and bring uniformity and acceptance. For some, they may not get a chance to know what the dirt feels like under their shoes, or what it's like to hear the cheers after hitting the ball into the outfield; be it from a disability, financial or scheduling conflicts.
For Alec Johnson, now a high school student at Fowlerville, along with his friends Ryan Flanery and Tyler Sladick, they wanted to offer younger children who may not get to play the sport a chance to feel the emotions and confidence that only America's favorite pastime can provide. So they started a club called "Field of Dreams."
"It raises their self-esteem and their ability to feel like they belong in things they normally don’t get to feel," said Dr. Angela Lawson, who is the teacher sponsor or the project. "A lot of time they feel like they are not part of something or they are always working to catch up. This gives them something that they are apart of."
Johnson's brother, Nicholas, was what sparked Alec and his friends to start the club. Nicholas has a rare genetic condition known as FG Syndrome. Ron Johnson, father to the boys, explained that it is genetic condition that alters physical development.
"It has been incredible, just a great opportunity to offer these kids," said Ron Johnson. "It worked out really well, gave them an opportunity to belong to a team and get out and enjoy the game. One that we can all relate to. It's emotional and it is really fun. I am proud of my son for attempting to arraign this."
The club started out as a project last year, and due to the overwhelming support from the school and the community, the boys decided to keep it going. To ensure it lasts for years to come, they recruited 7th and 8th graders who will help continue it. The hope is that younger generations will continue and grow the program.
"They just really loved it, and we saw how much joy it gave them," said Alec. "We decided to keep it going for the kids and our community."
