Orland Teen Wins Disney Grant To Build Accessible Baseball Field

ORLAND PARK, IL -- An Orland Park teen was awarded a Disney Be Inspired Grant to build a baseball field for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Earlier this year, Zachary Stack, a sophomore at Marist High School, presented his plan to to the Orland Park Village Board to build an accessible baseball field at the John Humphrey Complex

After hearing of another town’s baseball field for players with physical and developmental disabilities, the baseball-loving teen asked his mother to reach out to Orland Park Trustee Pat Gira to see if the village offered a similar field. When Stack and his mom, Tammy, learned there were no accessible fields, OPBaseball4All was born.

Since Stack launched his nonprofit, OPBaseball4All has received a $500 Summer of Service Grant from Youth Service America and Disney/ABC Television Group. Stack continues to work to raise awareness and support for his cause. After presenting his plans to the village board, Stack was named WGN Radio’s ‘Kid of the Week’.

“I applied for the grant on July 28, which was only three weeks after I presented my idea to the village board,” Zachary explained. “I felt I needed to get this great project underway ASAP.”

According to YSA, Stack is one of 270 young leaders across the country awarded a $500 Disney Summer of Service grant to organize projects to help make their communities healthier, greener and stronger.

“I was so very excited to be the recipient of the Disney Be Inspired Grant,” Stack said. “I am hopeful that I can get the community involved in this great project.”

The community is invited to participate in an upcoming fundraising effort on February 1, 2018. ‘Uncork & and Support’, a ladies night out fundraiser will take place at the Orland Park Civic Center. OPBaseball4All is also planning an upcoming 5K Run and Walk in 2018.

“I could not be any prouder of my son. His dedication to this project is unbelievable,” Tammy added. “Zach has shown unrelenting dedication to making his dream a reality despite his honors and AP schedule."

To learn more about or to make an online donation, visit OPBaseball4All.