|
"The Miracle League" is a charitable organization that provides
children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to
play baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is
something about playing the game of baseball that lights up
youngsters’ eyes, but for children facing physical and mental
challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step.
The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to get out
in the sunshine, and enjoy
playing the game of baseball in its
purest form.
Dylan can’t walk but that doesn’t stop him from rounding
second base. Jennifer has Downs Syndrome, but the Miracle League
has given her more self-esteem than her parents ever dreamed
possible. Kaliegh can’t hear, but the cheers of his teammates have
never been louder. The Miracle League gives hundreds of disabled
children something few dreamed possible, the chance to play
baseball. Yet in all their joy and triumph, there’s still one thing
missing - the ability to play the sport like everyone else.
These kids needed a place to play, so a specially equipped
field called the "Field of Dreams" was built in
Conyers
Georgia. This custom-designed venue
incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates
wheelchairs and other walking assistance devices, while helping
prevent injuries. In other words, it provides a level-playing field
where physically and mentally challenged children can hit, run, and
catch- just like the best of them.
During each Miracle League game, every child is given an
opportunity to hit the ball and score a run. Miracle League team
members are assigned “buddies” who assist them in hitting the ball
and "running" the bases. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents,
college students, business leaders or anyone who wishes to volunteer
their time to give a child the gift of baseball.
Our History
The idea of building specially equipped baseball fields
was born in Georgia when a boy in a wheelchair showed up to play in a youth
baseball program. One of the coaches took the boy as a member of
his team. After that, Georgia's Rockdale Youth Baseball Association
organized games for 35 players with special needs. Soon it became
evident that, while the idea was extremely well received by the children
and their families, conventional baseball fields were inadequate for children
with disabilities.
The grassy turf was very difficult for their
wheelchairs, walkers and braces to navigate, and bumps and irregular surface
made moving around awkward and dangerous. This spawned the idea to
build a field with a special surface that was safe and easy to navigate
for those with disabilities. A field was designed with a custom synthetic
turf and handicapped accessible dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains.
This was the beginning of what is now called The Miracle League.
Physically and mentally challenged
children are paired with able-bodied volunteer "buddies" who assist them
in batting catching, throwing and running. Every child gets a turn at bat
and in the outfield, and every child gets across home plate. The
point of the game is less about baseball and
more about fun! The benefits gained by everyone involved are tremendous.
The child's self esteem grows, they make friends, become less isolated
and "just become a regular kid, not a kid with a disability."
|