GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Teams Up with the San Diego Seals for an Unforgettable Lacrosse Experience

At GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that build confidence, foster connection, and celebrate every individual’s potential.

In April, we had the incredible honor of partnering with the San Diego Seals, our city’s professional indoor lacrosse team, for a series of events that brought joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories to our participants and their families.

Field Day Fun with the San Diego Seals

The week kicked off with a special Field Experience and Lacrosse Skills Clinic hosted by the San Diego Seals! Held just days before their big match, the San Diego Seals invited our participants and their siblings to this special event which gave them the chance to step onto the field, pick up a lacrosse stick, and learn the basics of the game with hands-on coaching from Seals players including Christopher Origlieri and Ben McIntosh.

The energy was electric as players and participants shared high fives, laughter, and encouragement. From scooping ground balls to practicing shots on goal, the clinic provided a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone to try something new and feel part of the team.

Check out the San Diego Seals Skills Clinic highlight on Instagram.

Game Night Magic: San Diego Seals vs. Albany Firewolves

Just a few days later, the fun continued at Pechanga Arena where GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego was invited to attend the San Diego Seals’ highly anticipated match against the Albany Firewolves. With a playoff berth on the line, the stakes were high—and the Seals delivered.

Despite trailing at halftime, the Seals rallied in the second half and pulled off an exhilarating 11-10 victory, securing their spot in the postseason. A record-setting crowd of over 9,400 fans watched as the game-winning goal was scored in the final minutes!

But for our group, the excitement didn’t stop there. GiGi’s Playhouse participants were given exclusive tunnel access for half-time, where they high-fived players as they took to the field—a moment that had everyone beaming with pride and joy. After the match, our attendees had the opportunity to meet some of the players and collect autographs. The connection was real, and the memories are lasting.

Celebrating Inclusion Through Sport

We are incredibly grateful to the San Diego Seals for choosing to highlight the San Diego Down syndrome community and for opening their hearts, field, and locker room to our participants during their final match of the season. Experiences like these create meaningful inclusion and build lifelong confidence in the individuals we serve. We look forward to continuing this partnership and finding even more ways to bring people together through sport, community, and shared joy. A huge thank you to the San Diego Seals for including us in this incredible night!

Help Us Make More Moments Like This Possible

98% of GiGi’s Playhouse is powered by volunteers, and we operate solely through donations and grants. Events like this, along with our free educational and therapeutic programs, are only possible because of your generosity. If you’d like to donate to support life-changing experiences like this, or want to explore how GiGi’s Playhouse can work with your company or organization, click here to donate or email us today.

Want to make sure you never miss an event like this again? Join our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming programs, community events, and inspiring stories from GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego.

Together, we can create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in every community!