Miracle League of Amherstburg players swap bats for putters

Koryssa Maisonville (left) had her face painted by Daisy Piroski.

Every child deserves the opportunity to play baseball and now, golf.

Players from the Miracle League of Amherstburg swapped their bats for putters last Saturday afternoon at Ure’s Country Kitchen in Malden Centre.

Golfing on the challenging and picturesque miniature golf course, it was a chance to switch it up and according to the league’s vice president Lynn Pouget, it was a lot of fun.

“Our players, workers and family are here to play miniature golf because we didn’t have baseball due to the Woof-a-Roo event,” said Miracle League vice-president Lynn Pouget.

Usually on Saturday this time of the year, the league’s diamond at the Libro Centre is where several different teams play baseball. 

However the annual pet festival postponed the games.

The disruption in their schedule was a chance to do something different and Pouget says it could become a regular event where they play miniature golf.

“This is a great opportunity and it’s possible that it opens up something for them that they have never done before,” added Pouget.

One of the golfers on the course Saturday seemed like a real pro. Golfing alongside Rebekah Neposlan, Tom Specht who is a regular baseball player, expertly got a hole-in-one on the third hole.

“I love it. It’s sports and I love them both,” said Specht of baseball and golf.

Besides golf, there was face-painting and a BBQ and as always at such events, the Miracle League mascot was on hand to help out.

“We talked to the Ure’s and they suggested we do this,” said Pouget.

The local course has waterfalls, windmills and even a few interesting obstacles.

The Miracle League of Amherstburg is an opportunity for children and adults with special needs a chance to play baseball, make new friends and build self-esteem.

They have two regular schedules, May and June which is going on now and then again in September and October.

For more information, or if you want to volunteer, contact Miracle League president Shawn Dufour at 519-551-4414.

Miracle League of Amherstburg players swap bats for putters

By Fred Groves