The Kansas City Royals are marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a return engagement at Kauffman Stadium, where their 9/11 memorial stair climb will be held for the fourth year.
On Wednesday, two days before the anniversary, members of the Royals organization will be joined by Kansas City first responders and representatives from veterans organizations as they climb 2,200 stairs. The total is meant to match the World Trade Center’s 110 stories.
The event is tied to Suicide Prevention Month and is aimed at drawing attention to the mental health resources available for first responders and veterans.
Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney will be part of the climb, and he’ll do all 2,200 steps in full firefighter gear. Sweeney is a volunteer firefighter in the offseason, and the Royals said he has several family members who are first responders. His father, Ed, reportedly worked as a firefighter in Yonkers, New York, for 35 years.
“The event reflects The Kansas City Royals Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting military and first responder organizations through grants, sponsorships, donations, volunteer service and recognition programs, including the Salute to Service Seat and Blue KC’s Answering the Call,” the team said.
Kansas City has already hosted another stair climb tied to the 25th anniversary of 9/11. On Sunday, firefighters from more than 20 states and 60 departments came to the metro for the 16th annual Kansas City Memorial Stair Climb.
That group climbed 110 stories in full gear at Skyline Collection, at 1111 Main St. The building is the second-tallest habitable building in Kansas City and the third-tallest in Missouri.
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