The inaugural season of New Boston’s first all-inclusive t-ball league has come to an end with lots of awards, smiles and a peek of what’s to come for the league.
The Miracle Legends is New Boston’s first all-inclusive t-ball league for anyone with developmental, physical, cognitive and intellectual disabilities to play in a non-competitive environment.
About 60 participants took part in four teams for a two game double header weekly scrimmage.
“It went really great,” said Jessica Harris, one of the founders of the league. “From the first game, a lot of them were really, really shy. Some of them were scared. A lot of them didn’t know what to do. By the last game, every single kid came out of their shell … They were hitting balls to the outfield, they were catching balls. They were making friends. They would walk up and say, ‘I’m so excited to play today.’ or ‘I’ve been looking forward to this all week.’ So it was really cool.”
The game is designed for children with disabilities to play in a fun but competition- free setting where all players get the opportunity to shine.
They completed their first season with an awards ceremony at Tapp Methodist Church last Monday night.
“I had a lot of the kids walk up to me and say, ‘I’ve never had a trophy before,” Harris said.
This is the reaction that Harris said she was most proud to give to children. And the success of the first year showed the need for a league like Miracle Legends in the area.
“I want these kids to feel included because a lot of the time they don’t feel that way,” she said.
To grow the vision, Miracle Legends is partnering with Bowie’s Best Special Olympics to put on other events for children and adults with special needs and disabilities.
The Shining Stars Pageant is scheduled for July 12 to “celebrate the unique light” of the special needs community.
Kings and queens in different age groups will be crowned.
The pageant is a fundraiser for both organizations.
Entry for the pageant is $20. All funds will be used to support the participants in both organizations.
Bowie’s Best travels to compete in Special Olympics and softball games at the regional and state levels. More information on the Miracle Legends or how to sign up for the pageant can be found on their Facebook page, All Inclusive T-Ball League of New Boston, or their website TheMiracleLegendsBaseball. com.
