Superhero jerseys highlight Pelicans Special Olympics Night

Law Enforcement Torch Run aiming for growth in year three of partnership with Pelicans

By Nathan Barnett

March 18, 2015

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (MARCH 19, 2015) - The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, will host the third annual Special Olympics Night in conjunction with Superhero Night as part of "Geekend" on Saturday, April 25 at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. This season, the Pelicans will wear unique superhero-themed uniforms that will be auctioned off to benefit the Special Olympics as well.

This marks the second time that Special Olympics Night will overlap with Superhero Night, although it is the first time that the Pelicans will wear superhero-themed series on this night. "The superhero theme is a natural fit for Special Olympics Night," remarked Pelicans Senior Director of Community Jen Borowski. "All the Special Olympics athletes are superheroes in my eyes."

Fans who wish to donate to the Special Olympics at the game will be able to do so at the Special Olympics table in the concourse or at the Guest Services booth. Proceeds from the jersey auction and 50/50 raffle will also benefit the Special Olympics.

Those that wish to bid on jerseys will be able to do so whether in attendance or not, as select jerseys will be available for bidding online. The game-worn jerseys will be autographed by the corresponding player or coach immediately following the game, and fans at the game will have the opportunity to take a photo with the player or coach as well.

Over the past two seasons, the Pelicans and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have helped raise over $23,000 for the Special Olympics of South Carolina through the proceeds from this event.

"This is a real passion for many of us here locally in law enforcement," remarked Lance Corporal Felix Cruz, who is part of the LETR, which runs a handful of events in the area to raise money for Special Olympics. "We want to get as many people out there to the game as possible to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The money allows athletes locally, regionally, and nationally to train and compete in Special Olympics events, and without the financial support, many of the Special Olympics athletes would not be able to do so."

In addition to raising money for the Special Olympics, the night also serves as a platform to highlight the Special Olympics athletes. The athletes will take part in a pre-game parade on the field, participate in a variety of on-field games and in-park promotions, and take the field with the Pelicans players at the start of the game.

Pelicans players and coaches will also hold a private meet-and-greet and autograph session with the Special Olympics athletes prior to first pitch.

The LETR runs a number of events in Horry county to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, including: Teacher on the Roof, Capture the Flag Tournament, Dip, Duck and Dive Dodgeball Tournament, Tip the Waiter, St. James Got Talent, a Fashion Show at St. James, and Krispy Kreme Cops on Doughnut Shop. The Pelicans help the LETR support a number of these programs and recognize Special Olympics athletes outside of Special Olympics Night as well, including an on-field ceremony during the 2014 Carolina League postseason, in which athletes participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games were recognized prior to the Pelicans game.

The 2015 season marks the 17th season for the Pelicans franchise and first as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. For information on tickets to see the Pelicans in 2015, please call (843) 918-6000, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.MyrtleBeachPelicans.com.