We intend to bring the thrill of throwing, catching and hitting a baseball to children outside the United States, and the first place will be in Guatemala. We intend to bring the thrill of throwing, catching and hitting a baseball to children outside the United States, and the first place will be in Guatemala. We will work with the World Neighbors organization to further their efforts to provide clean water, nutritional food and educational assistance — and we’ll help to balance out the kids’ lives by providing vision care to all kids – including those who would be playing ball. To hit the ball you need to see the ball. Imagine the miracle of the gift of clear sight!These improvements will also include equipment and supplies for their own Little League Field of Dreams!
Sports define children and provide a sense of belonging that some are missing at home. It is life changing. It will provide opportunities in life that the kids would not have had otherwise.
But what we hope to do goes beyond a ballgame. It offers light at the end of a tunnel. It is significant in teaching hard work and dedication. It is providing opportunities to be the best you can be… an education in life lessons and skills.
FROM PAUL PETERS, Director – The Roy Bear Foundation was established in honor of my son Roy, who left us too early at the age of 23. One of my greatest joys was coaching Roy as a young athlete, and I know in my heart how important it is to young children, especially between the ages of 6 and 12 years, to have an opportunity to experience the simple thrill of throwing, catching, or hitting a baseball.
Since the first seed of the Roy Bear Foundation was planted after my son’s death, there has been a divine rhythm to my hopes: I have met the right people, joined up with the right organizations, and have been to the right places – – because it feels right.
Perhaps the greatest blessing of the Roy Bear Foundation in Guatemala has been forming a relationship – not only as friends, but as colleagues – with the Allen family: Christy Allen, along with her sister Sandy and husband Freddy Rodriquez. Paul’s connection began with their cousin Sam Allen, a lifelong friend of Paul’s in Oklahoma.
Christy is not only a liaison in Guatemala, but a true colleague.
It was more divine rhythm that brought them all together with a shared love and enthusiasm to help the children of the Lake Atitlan area.