Miracle League of Montgomery County

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Often, children with disabilities are left out of recreational activities. In response, Montgomery County has created it's "Miracle League", designed to give disabled children access to recreational activities. The Miracle League of Montgomery County provides children with mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball. The field, designed with a smooth-surfaced synthetic cushion, allows athletes that use wheelchairs or assisted ambulatory walkers an opportunity to run the bases. To make this possible, the county partnered with key organizations such as the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. The Miracle League of Montgomery County makes it possible for children with disabilities to put on a uniform, hit the ball, run the bases, be part of a team, and share friendships, just as their unchallenged peers. This project not only provides an extremely rare and invaluable resource to disabled children, but it also increases community pride and well-being. A huge success, this project can be replicated with adequate partnerships and funding.