The crack of the bat, enthusiastic cheering and the sounds of children enjoying a game of softball fill the air each Sunday afternoon at the Susiegray Moore McConnell Sports Complex in Washington.

The stars of the game are area children and those responsible for the opportunity are volunteers with ExCEL and ACCEPT, partnering support groups for families with special needs youngsters. Donna and Allen Pittman founded ExCEL in 2009 in an effort to insure children, like their son Jacob, had an outlet for their interest in sports.

“I think that ExCEL has not only been important in providing an accepting environment for our kids to get to participate in a sport and have fun, it has also allowed their parents to become acquainted and support each other,” said Donna Pittman. “It’s a very lonely place when your child is diagnosed with different abilities than typical children. It makes such a difference when you get to know other parents that truly understand the challenges your family faces.”

This fall’s schedule of games began Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 18. Game time is 2 p.m. every Sunday, weather permitting.

Last weekend, the young athletes were joined by personnel from Washington’s police and fire department, who served as buddies during the afternoon’s festivities. Special guest was Terrance Copper, Washington native and National Football League player. Copper threw the first ceremonial pitch of the game.

This year, ExCEL is the recipient of a much-needed monetary gift, according to Pittman.

“Harvest Church donated money to the City of Washington to be used as seed money by a non-profit organizations,” she said. “We feel very honored that we were chosen as the recipient of this money.”

For more information about the activities offered by ExCEL (Exceptional Children Enjoying Life) and ACCEPT (All Challenged Children Educating People Together), email iacceptallchildren@gmail.com or visit the ACCEPT Facebook page.