First pitch choice at Orland Park White Sox day a grand slam
Originally published July 13, 2017
Getting ready for the big game? The Orland Park Grand Slam Event with the Chicago White Sox begins at 7:10 Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Hopefully, you have already received your tickets and are ready for the big event.
Representing Orland Park this year is Leslie Gasser. Leslie is a participant of the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department Special Olympics Team. She was nominated for the honor of throwing out the first pitch by her Village of Orland Park Special Recreation team.
“The Gasser family has been involved in our programs and the Orland Park community for years; and Lou Lou (Leslie’s nickname) is loved by all,” said Nick Harvey, a district program specialist. “This will be a night that all of us will remember forever.”
Leslie’s mother, Nancy, said Leslie is a very happy and loving person who has captured many hearts. It seems everyone who knows Leslie falls in love with her. Leslie’s favorite Chicago sports teams are the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Leslie’s sister, Natalie, is a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, so they named their family dog Cubby. When Leslie found out she was going to throw out the first pitch at the White Sox game, she asked if they could get another dog and name it Soxy.
Leslie has been involved in the Special Recreation Department since she was 8 years old. In June, she traveled with the Special Recreation Department to participate in the Special Olympics Games in Normal, Illinois, where she took second place in the bocce ball singles and doubles events.
Leslie and her sister Natalie both competed in the USA National Special Olympics for basketball. In 2010, Leslie competed in Lincoln, Nebraska, where her team came in fourth place.
Competing is great, but Leslie also loves to volunteer. She volunteers for the Special Olympic torch run, where she hands out water and snacks to the police and state troopers who are running.
“We are very thankful to Orland Park Special Recreation Department and staff for their programs and dedication,” Nancy Gasser said. “Orland Special Recreation and Special Olympics mean so much to Leslie. Both Orland Special Recreation and Special Olympics give these individuals confidence and opportunity to succeed.”
Adding to her list of activities, Leslie is the assistant coach to the Chicago Blackhawks Special Needs Hockey team. She also attends Park Lawn Choice Program during the day and works part-time for Walgreen’s stocking the shelves.
“We have won the lottery twice with our two daughters,” said Leslie’s father, Pete.