As many of my friends and family know, I’ve been coaching with the Blackthorn Barbarians since their start in 2018. The Blackthorn Barbarians, an inclusive rugby club, is one of the first mixed ability, special needs rugby clubs in our country. Everyone who knows me knows I’m not an athlete, and calling me a coach of any sport is crazy. I got involved because of the great experience we had with the rugby community and more importantly the Blackthorn Rugby Club. Rugby, simply put, was a family experience. From our coaches to the opposing teams, everyone pushed for all the athletes to excel and have a great time on and off the field. Rugby is the only game where teams come together for pictures and socializing after their battle on the field. The rugby community as a whole is known for supporting each other even though their fierce competitors. When Blackthorn announced they were starting an inclusive team, I told my son I wanted to be a part of helping other athletes and families discover what rugby and Blackthorn had meant to us. After all these seasons, I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea what a club or sport like this would mean to the special needs community, their families, and our own coaches. Each Monday we practice, we consistently have 25-30 athletes and their families show up for practice. Through the seasons, I have gained countless Barbarian friends. I’ve seen the way the athletes and their families tear up or cheer enthusiastically when they have had a great play, and I was on the pitch on the Washington Mall for the first ever mixed ability rugby game on U.S. soil. I constantly see the players throughout our communities from walking in my neighborhood, to food stores, to parades, community concerts, down to my now favorite bakery. Now being involved with the special needs community I have personally met individuals who have benefitted from the Comprehensive Learning Center for Individuals With Autism https:// clcschoolprograms.org/. CLC is devoted to improving the lives of individuals with Autism and their families in our communities. The A.J.Foundation https://ajfoundation.org/ a nonprofit organization holds multiple fundraisers throughout the year to help support the Comprehensive Learning Center. This September 6th I’m riding in the A.J.Foundation Ride 4 Autism to help them, help support individuals with Autism. I’m asking my friends and family members to consider supporting me in my fundraising efforts for all my friends in the special needs community. I’m riding for my friend A.J. and all of my Blackthorn Barbarian friends. Thank you very much! Vince Caimi