Meet James

Meet James! This 12-year-old is an energetic boy with a kind heart and passion for helping others. James lives with Down syndrome, but he doesn’t let his condition hold him back from sharing his love of life and love of others!

James plays baseball with his peers and has developed a deep love for the game. He watches baseball games on tv, plays baseball video games, and loves collecting baseball cards. James is a loyal fan of his heroes Bryce Harper and Trea Turner since their debuts with the Washington Nationals, and is so excited to cheer them on with the Philadelphia Phillies!

When James isn’t watching, playing, or reading about baseball, you can find him spending time with his dog Sammie, going bowling, and eating tacos.

James has been chosen as a Dream Recipient by the George Washington University Collegiate Dream Team after being referred to the Dream On 3 team by our friends at Open Door Sports. These GWU students are excited to help him achieve his sports Dream and show James that If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!

James's Dream

James’ Phillies Dream knocked it out of the park…Citizens Bank Park that is!

We surprised Dream Kid James at his home to let him know that his Dream was starting now! James loves baseball, especially Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. He’s been a loyal fan since they debuted with the Nationals and has followed them to the Phillies. He was so excited to learn he was heading to Philadelphia to cheer them on.

James was a little shy at first, but quickly opened up when he saw GWU Collegiate Dream Team Captain, Charlotte, and she showed him his custom jersey. We were able to eat dinner at his favorite restaurant and then it was off to Philly in his private van. Our drive there was so fun and we loved getting the opportunity to bond with James and his family.

Thank you to the George Washington University Collegiate Dream Team for sponsoring James’ Dream! We couldn’t have made it come true without you.

Dream Kid James’ Dream Experience with the Philadelphia Phillies wasn’t just a home run, it was a grand slam!

Friday started off at the Philadelphia Zoo where he had a VIP, behind-the-scenes experience in the reptile area. James LOVES reptiles, so this was an amazing opportunity. He got to feed and pet the Galapagos tortoises, meet a newly born snake, and more. After that they made their way around the rest of the zoo to see the other animals.

Later in the day it was time to head to Citizens Bank Park. James got to watch batting practice on the field and see his favorite players warm up for the game. While he was watching, Kyle Schwarber noticed James and rolled him a ball as a souvenir. Later, he came up to James to sign it for him! James was also able to meet Aaron Nola and Garrett Stubbs and get their signatures as well. It was such a special experience.

James and his family then went on a tour of the stadium where they got to learn more about the history of it. They saw the press room and James and his brothers had a mock interview at the podium. Next, they saw the announcement booth where they had a surprise visit from baseball legend, John Kruk. He stayed and talked with James and it was truly a magical Dream moment. Last the tour wrapped up with a visit to the TV control room where James got to push the buttons for each of his favorite players’ walk-up songs!

It was finally game time! James was so excited to find his seats and they were amazing…they sat right behind the home dugout! During the game James enjoyed a Philly Cheesesteak (of course), cotton candy, and had the best time cheering for his team.

Thank you to the GWU Collegiate Dream Team for sponsoring James’ Dream! And we’d also like to thank the Phillies for going above and beyond to make this an amazing experience.

Dream Snapshots

Volvo
Thank you to our National Collegiate Dream Team Sponsor, Volvo Construction Equipment