Families from around the United States and Canada traveled to Findlay in September for the very first Miracle League All-Star Event. Held September 14-16 at the Blanchard Valley Health System Miracle Park at the Marathon Diamonds, 90 players from various Miracle League teams were responsible for registration fees and transportation to Findlay but all other expenses were covered through sponsorships and donations. The Miracle League has around 300 teams in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, each with the mission to help kids, regardless of their abilities, experience the joy of playing our National Pastime. Hosting this event in Findlay was special not only for the families and children playing in the games but for those attending and the community as well.
In preparation for the event, Miracle Park received an expansion and upgrades. The field is cushioned and the bases are painted for those using a walker or wheelchair.
Bleachers were added as part of the expansion and definitely came in handy during the event!
The big event and impact
And the event truly gave each child playing the chance to feel like an all-star. While the community had the opportunity to impact special needs families from all over.
The Brown family from Texas shared a “big Texas thank-you” following the event, “Our lives as special needs parents are not easy. No day is the same and the future is unknown. To have had the blessing of attending this event will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. It was wonderful, relaxing, very well planned and all of the people in Findlay treated us so special! We are still talking about it, looking at pictures everyday with a big smile. Again, thank you and God Bless you and the people of Findlay for a wonderful experience!”
A wonderful weekend
Brad Koller, vice president of the Miracle League of Findlay, shared this from Pamela Dean, of North Carolina, “Thank you for a wonderful weekend in Findlay, Ohio. The “All-Star” for our special players was the best. You and your team did a great job and took care of every detail.”
She noted she loved how welcoming the community was. “The kid-friendly food everywhere was a plus and the professional games were done so well.”
In addition to the games, the All-Star event included entertainment, local companies with booths and, of course, the 10,000 square foot inclusive playground families could also enjoy. A Saturday Night Gala held at the Hancock Hotel in downtown Findlay came after a mixer that was held Friday evening at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts.
Additionally, each All-Star received a trophy and a medallion for attending the games.
The Inaugural Miracle League All-Star Event will be discussed for many years to come, and it is something our community can be proud of. Next year’s event will be held in Sioux City, IA September 6-8.
For more information, visit miracleleagueallstargame.com and connect with our local Miracle League on Facebook “Miracle League of Findlay”
