The rain held off just long enough last weekend for the Miracle League of Amherstburg to mark a very special anniversary.
The Miracle League honoured its founding members at a 15th anniversary celebration prior to the start of its first game last Saturday morning. The founding board – Chuck and Ann Bondy, Mark and Michele Vigneux, Brian and Gaye McGee, John and Marilyn Holzel, Mike Bondy, Michelle Jones-Rousseau, Sandra Paisley, Tim and Diana Hunt and Ivan and Christine Petkovic – will have their names mounted on a plaque that will be installed on the scorer’s booth.
Shawn Dufour, the current board president, said it was a day not only to celebrate the players’ love of the game, but 15 years of work to keep it happening. He said people with a vision brought Miracle League to Amherstburg.
The Rotary Club of Amherstburg was also given credit for bringing the Miracle League to town.
“Not only is it the first of its kind in Canada, it’s the first of its kind internationally,” said Dufour.
A message played on the video board at the Miracle League of Amherstburg from Diane Alford, one of the founders of Miracle League. She is the executive director since the first field was built in Conyers, Georgia in 2000.
“We’re so proud to have you as part of our organization,” Alford said in the video.
Dufour also thanked his current board for continuing Miracle League onward in Amherstburg.
There was concern over two years ago when numerous board members retired but a new board, Dufour included, stepped in and formed a new board. He thanked both the original board of directors and the current board of directors for their insight, grit and determination and keeping it going.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg currently has nine teams comprised of players with disabilities who could not play baseball otherwise. The league has a deep commitment to inclusivity, community, and the transformative power of sport, Dufour noted.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering children and adults with disabilities the chance to enjoy baseball in an inclusive, supportive environment. Since 2009, they’ve been fostering community, friendships, and the joy of the game with 168 players registered for the 2024 fall season.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg consistently looks for volunteers, with people able to sign up at www.amherstburgmiracle.com. Those interested can volunteer for one game or for all four games on a Saturday. Youth are able to get volunteer hours for school with adults also welcome to serve as buddies, work the barbecue, announce or any duties that are necessary.
There was concern over two years ago when numerous board members retired but others, Dufour included, stepped in and formed a new board. He thanked both the original board of directors and the current board of directors for their insight, grit and determination and keeping it going.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg currently has nine teams comprised of players with disabilities who could not play baseball otherwise. The league has a deep commitment to inclusivity, community, and the transformative power of sport, Dufour noted.
The Miracle League of Amherstburg consistently looks for volunteers, with people able to sign up on their website at www.amherstburgmiracle.com. Those interested can volunteer for one game or for all four games on a Saturday. Youth are able to get volunteer hours for school with adults also welcome to serve as buddies, work the barbecue, announce or any duties that are necessary.
Miracle League celebrates 15th birthday
By Ron Giofu
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