GO BRAVES: The kids of the Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club load the bus and head to see the Braves.

THOMASVILLE — When the Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club of Cairo received the invitation from the Atlanta Braves to come to Atlanta and see the Braves take on the defending World Series Champion Astros, it was an offer they couldn’t pass up.

“They’ve been waiting. A lot of them have never been to Atlanta before, let alone a Braves game,” said Club Director Stephen Francis about the kids’ excitement. “We’re very excited to go up there. We appreciate the Braves organization for extending this opportunity to our children and giving them the experience of a lifetime.”

Bearing the name of Jackie Robinson is very important to the Boys and Girls Club. It is not something the children or their adult leaders carry lightly.

“I think just being able to represent Jackie Robinson is an honor in itself,” said Francis. “But also, we do understand it is also a great responsibility. We hold our kids to a higher level. We make sure we are instilling in our children the characteristics that Jackie Robinson upheld.”

The Braves organization has committed to making this invitation an annual thing, saying they will invite the Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club to Truist Park every year on Jackie Robinson’s birthday.

“The Braves Foundation reached out and wanted to form a relationship with the club since we do bear the Jackie Robinson name,” said Chair of the Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club Donica Williams. “They are going to donate the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle from the game. This is huge for these kids and our community.”

Sporting their red shirt with a blue 42 on the back, the Boys and Girls Club got the opportunity to tour Truist Park and watch the Braves take batting practice. The Club was also recognized by the Braves on the field before the game. Resource Development Committee Chair Amy Hagan got to throw out the first pitch of the game, a nerve racking and thrilling experience.

The Jackie Robinson Boys and Girls Club was also joined by Grady County basketball legend and four time Olympic Gold Medalist Teresa Edwards as the Braves recognized her at the game as well.