Miracle League of Amherstburg starts fall season with a special guest

Paralympian Tyler McGregor (centre) is pictured with members of the Mavericks and Hunter the mascot at the opening day of the Miracle League of Amherstburg fall season. McGregor brought his medals with him so people could view them.

The Miracle League of Amherstburg started its fall season last weekend and did so with a special guest.

Tyler McGregor, a multi-time Paralympic medalist with Team Canada in sledge hockey, brought his sled and his medals to the Miracle League diamond Sept. 12. McGregor, the captain of Team Canada, said his appearance was arranged after meeting the chair of the Miracle League of Amherstburg board of directors earlier this year.

“I met Shawn Dufour a few months ago and he said he’s been involved with Miracle League for a number of years.”

The Miracle League of Amherstburg is in “high demand” for players and potential players with disabilities, he added, but pointed out it was his first appearance at the Miracle League diamond at the Libro Centre. Players and families came by, asked who his toughest opponent was, viewed his medals and chatted with him throughout the day.

“It’s been amazing,” said McGregor. “It’s been a ton of fun to connect with all of the players. I’m happy to be here. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

McGregor said he hopes to return to the Miracle League of Amherstburg at some point in the future. He said he is “relatively new to the area” but likes what he saw at Miracle League and praised the work of the volunteers as well.

Members of the Amherstburg Admirals Jr. C hockey team were also on hand volunteering their time at the first Saturday of the fall season, acting as “buddies” for the players and pitching to them.

Dufour said they have once again reached the limit for how many players the Miracle League of Amherstburg can accommodate. 

“We’ve maxed out at 200,” he said.

There are approximately six players that are brand new to the Miracle League of Amherstburg but most are returning players. There are ten teams, the same as what was in the spring season, with four games every Saturday and two teams per week on a bye.

“Everything is running smoothly,” he said. 

Luke Wheeler takes a rip at a pitch during the opening day of the Miracle League of Amherstburg’s fall season last Saturday. Four games were played throughout the day.

Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to do so, either by dropping by the diamond on game days or by filling out a form at www.amherstburgmiracle.com. The fall season runs every Saturday, weather permitting, through Oct. 17 with games at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Their annual Halloween party is Oct. 24 at the Columbus Community Hall in Amherstburg.

There are two upcoming Miracle League fundraisers, the first being a lemonade stand and bake sale Sept. 24. That is being held at Chartwell Amherstburg (formerly Seasons) and it runs 12-4 p.m. All proceeds go to Miracle League.

The second fundraiser is being presented in conjunction with the Windsor Spitfire. “Star Wars Night” will be Oct. 10 at the Spitfires’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Oshawa Generals. The Miracle League of Amherstburg will receive $5 from every ticket sold with tickets available at https://wfcucentre.evenue.net/promotions and entering the promo code FUNDBASEBALL4. 

Miracle League of Amherstburg starts fall season with a special guest

By Ron Giofu