September: Miracle League - 1.5 hrs

I spent my Saturday morning at Audubon Park, volunteering for the Miracle League of New Orleans. This program is geared towards helping children with special needs, either physical or cognitive, participate in sports like baseball, soccer, etc. I started with this organization in the spring of 2020. I continued my involvement over the years because of the direct impact this organization has on children. This fall, the kids are playing baseball. The kids and the helpers are assigned to team. I am a Dodger which is, by coincidence, the same team I was last year. Helpers serve as motivators for the team. We maintain the excitement of the game and flood the kids with positive affirmations and appreciation. 

The rules of baseball are different for the Miracle League. No outs, no score, and cheer as loud as you can for the players. Full participation in the game is not expected as the purpose of the event is to allow the children to run around, have fun, and socialize. Underlying our interactions is a respect for others and what they decide they are capable of doing or not doing. In a situation where a child did not want to run around, I utilized the field to play catch with one of the kids. I wanted to cater the experience to him and let him practice throwing the ball as far as possible and catching the ball. I joked around with the kids and let them flaunt their batting skills. I ran the bases with the kids, cheering them on as they take on home plate.

I feel happy to volunteer with an organization like the Miracle League which stresses inclusion and accommodation. Especially after a stressful week of studying, going to play games with these kids is a blast.