The Miracle League: A Model for Athletes with Disabilities

Many children grow up spending their weekends at a baseball field dreaming of hitting the game-winning home run, cheering on their teammates at bat, munching on a handful of sunflower seeds, and owning the stains on their clothes as badges of honor. But imagine having a deep-seated desire to participate in this dynamic sport, only to be unable to participate due to barriers of mental and physical disabilities off the field.

The Miracle League is a charitable organization known nationally for providing children and adults with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy baseball. By connecting an athlete with an able-bodied volunteer, known as their buddy, The Miracle League provides opportunities for friendships to be formed and for every person involved to experience the power and bond of being part of an athletic team.

In addition to providing each athlete the support of a buddy, The Miracle League has removed the natural grass of the baseball diamond, and achieved a full-access field by utilizing a custom, rubberized turf accommodating individuals playing from wheelchairs or using other assertive devices. While the sport of baseball does not intentionally exclude these special athletes, The Miracle League goes above and beyond to remove any potential barriers for individuals with mental or physical disabilities so they may participate.

The Miracle League has come a long way since its first field was opened in Conyers, Georgia in April 2000. Today it serves over 200,000 adults and children all over the world and is composed of over 240 individual organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. As a non-profit organization, The Miracle League is made possible by generous donations and the daily participation of dedicated volunteers.

There is something about playing the game that lights up a person’s eyes.  But for children and adults facing serious physical and mental disabilities that opportunity can often be difficult to achieve.  Baseball diamonds weren’t exactly designed with wheelchairs and crutches in mind. – The Miracle League

While The Miracle League is a world-wide organization, it is active in the local community of Vancouver, WA. The dedicated employees of Biggs Insurance Services yearly team up with local athletes to bring a smile to the faces of athletes and buddies as they play the game of baseball. We are so proud to see local businesses and community leaders serve The Miracle League and other organizations similar to it, ensuring special athletes across our community have every opportunity and advantage.