BATON ROUGE, La. (May 9, 2024) – SweetSpot, a leading innovator in backyard experiences, proudly announces the launch of its Players with Purpose initiative. This groundbreaking program features a select group of brand ambassadors drawn from the inspiring ranks of Miracle League athletes, showcasing SweetSpot’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and supporting young athletes from all walks of life. Modeled after the NIL marketing concept, the formation of the team seeks to recognize and support outstanding young athletes who inspire and demonstrate remarkable determination and spirit in sports.

Each selected athlete will receive a sponsorship package from SweetSpot, which includes a suite of SweetSpot’s products, and monetary compensation to help cover their sporting expenses. Additionally, SweetSpot will make a donation to each athlete’s school, promoting the development of accessibility for all students. Players with Purpose athletes will also appear in upcoming campaigns promoting the safe and accessible use of SweetSpot products.

“The launch of Players with Purpose marks an exciting chapter in SweetSpot’s ongoing mission to make sports accessible to all,” said Joe Lawrence, CEO of SweetSpot. “By partnering with these athletes, we aim to celebrate the diversity of talent and ability within the sports community while demonstrating that SweetSpot equipment is safe, reliable and suitable for players of all skill levels.”

The inaugural members of the SweetSpot’s Players with Purpose hail from the Miracle League of Louisiana at Cypress Mounds, a community organization dedicated to providing opportunities for children with disabilities to engage in baseball. Selected for their dedication and unwavering spirit, the five athletes embody the ethos of determination and perseverance that defines both SweetSpot and the League. SweetSpot’s inaugural team includes:

• Kaidence “Kaide” Brady, a three-year athlete who cites her favorite part of baseball being her coaches and teammates coming together to help each other accomplish their goals.
• Molly Boulden, whose favorite day of the week for over five years has been when she gets to play with the League and score home runs.
• Jack and Parker Connison, 15-year-old identical twins on the Autism Spectrum, who have brought infectious enthusiasm for the League and their teammates for over seven years.
• Drew Moscona, who, although born with a rare genetic disorder, shows up weekly with high spirits and a strong love for baseball.

“We believe in the power of sports to unite and inspire,” says Mike Shildt, Manager of the San Diego Padres and Board Member of SweetSpot who has taken the lead in driving Players with Purpose forward. “This initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to inclusivity and support for athletes of all abilities. Our collaboration with the Miracle League of Louisiana is the start of something bigger. Together, we’re not just changing the game – we’re changing lives, and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of it.”

The initial team is just the beginning for SweetSpot’s Players with Purpose. SweetSpot has plans to expand the program to include athletes from Miracle Leagues, and several other inter-abled athlete organizations, in other cities later this year. Through these partnerships, SweetSpot seeks to reinforce the message that regardless of age, ability or background, everyone deserves the chance to play like a pro.

For more information about SweetSpot and its products, visit www.playsweetspot.com. 

About SweetSpot:

Founded in 2019, and relaunched in January 2024, SweetSpot is growing the spirit of play in everyone. SweetSpot products make sports and outdoors more accessible, more affordable, and more fun to play anytime, anywhere. Backed by Elysian Park Ventures, and several professional and retired athletes, SweetSpot uses innovative technology and thoughtfully engineered products to make everyone feel like a champion. SweetSpot products are available to purchase online and in stores at select major retailers. For more information or to purchase SweetSpot products, please visit www.playsweetspot.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Miracle League of Louisiana:

The Miracle League of Louisiana is a non-profit organization offering children with disabilities the chance to play baseball in a supportive environment. Cypress Mounds plays twice weekly during their Spring and Fall seasons at the Traction Sportsplex in Baton Rouge with a specialized field that ensures accessibility, while volunteer coaches and buddies provide guidance and assistance. Games are non-competitive, with every player batting and receiving cheers from announcers and spectators. To learn more about the League and how to participate, sponsor or volunteer, please visit: www.miracleleaguecm.org.