Agape Freedom Sports LLC

Written by Jeric Yurkanin

Bigger Than a Game: Why August 9th Matters

Autism affects millions of kids and adults across the world — and right here in our own communities. People with autism often see the world differently, and while they may face unique challenges, they also carry incredible gifts. Many shine in sports, music, art, or academics — in ways that can’t be taught in a classroom.

Different doesn’t mean less. Different means strong, resilient, and extraordinary. If everyone were the same, life would be boring. Our differences are what move the world forward. That’s why this Autism Awareness Game matters: it’s a chance to celebrate what makes us unique and to remind the world that every person deserves love, respect, and opportunity.

But this game is also about shattering old narratives — the ones that said girls can’t compete. The ones that told kids and adults with autism they’re “different.” The same kind of lies that once said people with different skin colors couldn’t rise to the same level as the whites — as the men. Too many still believe it — especially in parts of America’s religious culture, where girls are too often treated as “less than.”

Here’s the truth: that thinking is not only outdated — it’s wrong. Every person, no matter their gender, ability, or background, is made in the Creator’s image. Every person deserves love, respect, and opportunity.

This game is personal for me. From 2016 to 2023, I had the privilege of running a men’s slow-pitch softball team in the NEPA Church League. Over those 8 years, we reached three league championships, won one in 2022, and made three other semifinal runs. I loved every second of leading a team that believed in something bigger than themselves.

But this past spring gave me a new passion: covering high school girls’ softball. And wow — it blew me away. Some of the very best players in Pennsylvania were right here in NEPA. Tough. Smart. Fearless. Watching them play reminded me of Jackie Robinson’s story — and Branch Rickey’s courage to say “why not?” when the world said “don’t.” That kind of leadership changed history. I have a plaque up on my wall of Jackie Robinson signing his contract with Branch Rickey next to him. Both believed everyone was created by God and believed in something bigger than themselves, racism, and fighting against the cultural norms. Mr.Rickey also believed in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself, all laws of prophets hung on that Bible says. Mr.Rickey also believed in both of those Jesus sayings and Mr Rickey set the example by his actions. And he showed it and displayed it. He changed history. He did what was different, necessary and unexpected. He changed everything. Both i consider some of my historical heroes.

After a few parents reached out to me, I decided to take on a challenge: have the girls play against the boys. And I decided to lead the girls’ team.

Why not?

Why not try to accomplish the least expected? Why not push back against what parts of American culture and parts of the religious culture still think is impossible?

For too long, people have said girls can’t compete on the same level. That autism makes someone “different” in a way that means “less.” That labels and stereotypes define who we are.

But I don’t buy it. And neither do these girls.

On August 9th, we’re stepping onto that field not just to play a game — but to prove a point. To show that limits are meant to be broken, that differences are meant to be celebrated, and that everyone — no matter their gender, ability, or background — is made in the Creator’s image.

This isn’t just about softball. It’s about respect. It’s about equality. It’s about showing the world what’s possible when you take on the challenge everyone else thinks can’t be won.

Next Saturday, August 9th, I’ll have the honor of leading some of those very girls in our Autism Awareness Slow-Pitch Softball Game. And here’s the twist: they’ll be going up against the boys.

Most people assume the boys are stronger, faster, harder hitters. But I know better. This girls’ team is skilled. They’re determined. They’re tougher than many of the guys I’ve coached — even on my championship teams. The sports app I tested predicts we’ll lose Game 1, then win Games 2 and 3. And I believe it — because these girls don’t stay down. They fight back.

This game is bigger than softball. It’s about showing the world that labels don’t define us. That girls can compete with guys — and succeed. That autism doesn’t mean less — it means different, gifted, and worthy of love.

On August 9th, the girls won’t just be playing softball. They’ll be stepping onto that field as equals — to prove what’s possible when you refuse to accept limits, when you believe in who you are, and when you know you were created for more.

Because here’s the truth: we are all equal. Every one of us is made in the Creator’s image. And on that day, we won’t just play for a win — we’ll play for respect, for equality, for inclusion, and for the belief that different doesn’t mean less — it means strong.

And sometimes, the team no one expects to win is the one that shocks everybody. Whether we win or lose, it’s all about having fun and playing for something bigger than us!

LET’S GO GIRLS — LET’S WIN THIS SERIES! 🥎💙

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