BISMARCK--The U-Mary Student Physical Therapy Association is holding the 7th Annual Home Run Heroes event on Monday, Oct. 15, 22 and 29, from 6 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., in Leach Field House on the Bismarck campus. Home Run Heroes is an event for students in grades K -12 with moderate to severe physical disabilities.

Home Run Heroes is specifically designed to allow students who are unable to participate in summer recreational baseball leagues due to safety concerns or physical needs such as braces, walkers or wheelchairs, to get in the game. Facilitated by Doctor of Physical Therapy students and PT faculty, the games consist of four innings in which every child bats, runs the bases and scores, with the last batter to run the bases scoring a home run. No team score is kept; so everyone wins! Every player has a "buddy" to help him or her play and make the game even more fun.

"Each year we, as students, look forward to being "buddies" with the amazing children who participate in Home Run Heroes," says Mariel Novacek, third-year DPT student and Student Physical Therapy Association president. "Every child is so special to us, and we create a bond with our ‘buddy' that grows each inning! "

Home Run Heroes has been a big hit with area students and families, and this year promises to be no exception. Registration/release forms are available online at www.umary.edu/heroes. Print and complete one and return it by Oct. 8 to Mary Janusz, U-Mary Physical Therapy Dept., University of Mary, 7500 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504 or fax it to (701) 255-7687 to get in the game!

Questions? Contact Mary Janusz at (701) 355-8053 or mhjanusz@umary.edu.