Kirkland Rotary, Boys & Girls Club hosting 13th annual Miracle League

Some people have physical attributes that give them an advantage when it comes to sports. Those whom are tall have an advantage when it comes to volleyball or basketball. Those whom have quick legs are better at sprints and swimming.

However, for the rest of us who do not have physical gifts, taking to the field to compete can be intimidating. It can be especially intimidating if a child has physical limitations, such as needing a wheelchair or assistance with physical activity.

The Kirkland Rotary and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Redmond and Kirkland will give local kids with disabilities the chance to compete in a safe environment with the 13th season of the Miracle League.

The Miracle League was founded on the premise that “every child deserves to the chance to play baseball,” and it accepts kids ages 4 and up, with all levels of physical and cognitive limitations.

Every kid who participates has the opportunity to play both infield and outfield. The one-on-one “able bodied” buddy system allows parents the opportunity to sit in the stands and cheer for their child while they take the field.

“This is a non-competitive league, and our sole purpose is to generate fun and play ball in a safe environment,” Miracle League organizer Patty Sims said.

Games are played every Saturday through June 3 at Perrigo Park in Redmond, which is accessible to those who use wheelchairs or other assertive devices for movement.

“The field is made of a rubberized turf to allow kids of all levels to take their turn around the bases,” Sims said.

To participate, players need to be enrolled in a local Boys and Girls Club. Uniforms, equipment and team pictures are all provided at no cost. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the cost to join the Boys and Girls Club.

The first Miracle League field opened in Conyers, Ga., in April 2000. Word spread, and by 2002, fields opened in South Carolina, Alabama, West Virginia, Illinois and California. There are currently 240-plus Miracle League organizations across the country including Puerto Rico and Canada, while serving 200,000 plus children and adults.

For more information about the Miracle League program, contact the Kirkland Boys and Girls Club at 425-250-4756.