Nine Year Old DDI Student With Autism Throws First Pitch At Mets Game Thanks To Emblemhealth
May 13, 2010
(Queens, N.Y.)–Jordan Gray, 9, a Mets fan with autism from Queens Village, threw out the first pitch at a Mets-Nationals game at Citi Field, thanks to EmblemHealth, the New York-based health insurance provider.
According to Jordan’s parents William and Claudia Gray, Jordan is a high-energy young man who takes piano lessons, loves baseball, video games, bike riding, roller skating, swimming and math. The David Wright fan attends Developmental Disabilities Institute’s (DDI) Children’s Day Program on the Little Plains Campus on Long Island.
“Jordan loves to have fun like any other kid,” says Mr. Gray. “We’ve been practicing since we heard Jordan was going to throw the first pitch. Jordan is totally stoked! He loves the Mets!”
“In fact, Jordan participates in the Cross Island YMCA’s Junior Mets Program,” says Mrs. Gray. “He’s very high-functioning, and plays with mainstream kids. He likes the outfield, but he’ll be great pitching at the Mets game.”
This is the 10th consecutive year EmblemHealth has passed along the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Mets game to a deserving New Yorker. It is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to encourage health and fitness in the communities it serves.
“Jordan Gray’s energy, enthusiasm and spirit are an inspiration to everyone who meets him,” says Frank Branchini, President and COO of EmblemHealth. “He is a role model for all New Yorkers. We’re delighted to be able to give him the opportunity to throw the first pitch.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Jordan,” says John Lessard, Executive Director of DDI. “We’re grateful to EmblemHealth and the Mets for allowing us to showcase a student like Jordan Gray, who is an example of hope to others with autism and their families.”
“Jordan is incredibly enthusiastic and loves to learn,” says his Children’s Day Program teacher Jackie David Barth, who will be there along with some of Jordan’s classmates to cheer him on. “He’s a delight, and his entire class is very excited for him.”
About EmblemHealth:
EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP) provides affordable, quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO programs, as well as prescription drug, dental and vision plans. Plans offer a choice of networks, including access to over 106,000 quality doctors and other health care professionals and most of the leading hospitals across the tristate region. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.
About DDI:
Developmental Disabilities Institute is a not-for-profit agency that serves more children and adults with autism than any other service provider on Long Island. Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and is typically diagnosed before the age of three. Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests.
Thanks to the kind of advanced programs and comprehensive facilities found at DDI, there is hope and excitement for individuals and their families to help them fully realize their potential. DDI understands that education is the gateway to living independently, and starting early is the key. Every small success helps to erase some of the uncertainty that was once part of everyday life. With more than 30 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, DDI is fulfilling a vital and unique need for children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities and the communities in which they live. For more information, visit www.ddiny.org.
Photo:Nine-year-old Jordan Gray throws first pitch at Mets-Nationals Game, thanks to EmblemHealth, as his dad Bill looks on.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Sports
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