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Community Corner

League of Their Own: Kirkland Rotary Clubs Help Special Needs Kids Play Ball

Thanks to local rotary club volunteers and the Miracle League Association, children with disabilities are experiencing the joys of being on a spring baseball team.

 

MOMENTS BEFORE he was born, Jesper Ford almost died from a major stroke that damaged 85 percent of his left brain. The stroke caused hemiplegia (partial paralysis to one side of his body), as well as visual and learning impairments.

Last year, Jesper, who is now 10, finally had a chance to do something other kids take for granted—he joined a baseball team.

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“There aren’t words to express what it’s like to see him experience that,” says his mother, Debi Ford.

Thanks to the Rotary Clubs of , Kirkland, and Kirkland Downtown, local kids with a wide range of disabilities get a chance each spring to experience the joys of being on a sports team. Seven years ago, the clubs formed a “Miracle League” through the Miracle League Association, a Georgia-based nonprofit with the motto: “Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.”

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For six Saturdays each spring, rotary volunteers organize a one-hour game at Redmond’s . The level artificial turf is perfect for kids with mobility challenges, and the field's covered dugout and bleachers are an added bonus.

The league is open to children of all ages. Twenty to 25 kids sign up each year, and many players have been coming for several years.

Each player is paired with a volunteer buddy, allowing the parents to sit in the bleachers, take a break and root for their kids. The rules are designed to maximize the cheering. Every player bats once each inning, there are no outs, and every player makes it home.

Rotary Club of Kirkland member Chuck Brockway, who helped found the league, said the games are a big highlight for both players and volunteers.

“It gives the kids a chance to be in the spotlight,” Brockway said. “It’s one of the only times they have their siblings cheering for them. It really fills your heart with a lot of joy.”

EVERY PLAYER wears a jersey with the number “1.” Uniforms are donated by The Employee Recycling Program, a Seattle-based nonprofit that provides sports equipment to people with disabilities.

Patty Sims, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Kirkland, has been volunteering at Miracle League games for five years.

“We don't keep score,” she said. “We focus on interaction and fun. Each child plays to their own capabilities.”

There are few programs like this in the area, so many families make a long trek to participate. Jesper’s family drives all the way from Mt. Vernon.

“It’s so worth coming for something like this,” says Jesper’s mom, Debi Ford. “He talks about it all year long.”

She appreciates the opportunity for Jesper to play with kids his age and not feel different. “He can just be himself,” she said. “He doesn’t have the pressure to live up to what the other kids are doing. It’s really freeing for him.”

She says the games also help build his confidence.

“It isn’t about what he can’t do,” Ford said, “it’s about what he can do.”

Halfway to home base, Jesper stops and twirls around. “That’s his happy dance,” his mom says with a laugh.

At the last game of the season, the kids have trouble staying focused. They can’t stop thinking about the end-of-season party. Not only will there be trophies, a barbecue and cake, but the Mariner Moose will attend. This year he’ll sign a picture for each child to take home.

Rotarian Chris Rusnak, the team photographer, says, “The only part I don't like is it only lasts six weeks, and we don't get to see the kids for another year.”

Jesper’s mom has trouble finding the words to express her gratitude to the Rotary volunteers.

“They have no idea what they do for these kids,” she said.

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