Danvers Family Fun Day To Promote Inclusive Sports On North Shore

DANVERS, MA — For the past 11 months, Inclyousion Sports of Danvers co-founders Greg and Kristen Perkins have traveled around the state offering mobile field days designed to provide inclusive sports classes to children of all abilities.

This weekend, they will host a Family Field Day to raise awareness and funding for their first Inclyousion gym space this fall.

"Since launching Inclyousion Sports, we've been very clear on our mission to make high-quality sports enrichment programs accessible to all children," Greg Perkins told Patch. "As we approach our one-year anniversary, we've had the privilege to teach sports to over 200 kids in 10 communities across Massachusetts, and we've provided scholarships to many families requiring financial assistance.

"With the opening of our first gym space, we will be able to continue to build an inclusive community where all kids are encouraged to get active and make new friendships through sports."

Saturday's event will be an afternoon of food, music, activities and family fun from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Riverside School on Liberty Street.

Greg and Kristen Perkins launched their accessible sports classes last September and it has grown to include 10 different locations across Massachusetts. The classes are designed so that all children can participate regardless of their experience or ability.

Up until now, Inclyousion Sports has partnered with local recreation departments for venue space, but money from this weekend's fundraiser will help obtain and renovate gym space, as well as to purchase equipment.

"This event is an opportunity to celebrate our growth over the last year since launching Inclyousion Sports while sharing our vision with the community for all that is to come," Kristen Perkins said.

Family Fun Day sponsors include Connie Mirra, Acura of Peabody, Salem Hospital, and Rock the Spectrum.

Raffle items were donated from more than 30 local businesses.

Event activities the Melt food truck, an ice cream truck, a DJ, a balloon artist, sports free play, an art mural, a dunk tank for Inclyousion Sports coaches, vendor booths and the raffle items.

The event itself is free and open to all to attend but donations will be accepted. Those who cannot attend but still wish to donate can do so here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)