NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL—

New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex was the site for a sparkling interaction of the Daytona State Baseball team and members of the SPARC softball program. SPARC stands for the Special Population Area Recreational Council and holds a weekly softball game during the month of October.

Daytona State players had the chance to interact with the SPARC participants by aiding them in running the bases, fielding ground balls and swinging the bat.

Daytona State College Associate Director of Campus Safety, Paul Barnett, is one of the many volunteers that help run the SPARC softball program in New Smyrna and said,

“Tonight was a great success on so many levels; I want to thank the Daytona State Baseball program for spending time interacting with our SPARC participants.”

Sophomore Mario Presutti was asked about his experience and he said, “It was an incredibly humbling experience being able to brighten the day of those apart of the SPARC program. It makes me realize how blessed we are to be able to do the things we do every day without thought.”

Following four innings of softball, each SPARC participant received a baseball and were able to get autographs and pictures with the Daytona State players.

Daytona State Baseball Head Coach, Tim Touma, was asked about the SPARC softball event and he said, “This event is great for our guys to give back to the community and make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. I want to thank Paul Barnett for having us out and look forward to participating in the future.”