“Because every child deserves the chance to play.” This is the conviction which drives The Miracle League of Frisco.
A non-profit sports organization for children with mental and physical disabilities, Miracle League of Frisco offers children the opportunity to play baseball, soccer, bowling, basketball and track and field. MLF has a dedicated team of passionate Board members and volunteers, many of whom have been with the organization since its inception.
Heather Brown, Communications Director, shared a few moments of her time to help us learn more about the athletes, their families and the volunteers who are making an important impact in our community.
Lifestyle Frisco: What are you most proud of about the Miracle League of Frisco?
Miracle League: We are not a feel good, ‘look at Us’ YouTube video highlighting a one-time play. Letting the kid with special needs score a touchdown or goal..never to have the opportunity again. Children with special needs are NO different than any other kid. They have dreams of playing like their sports heroes and favorite teams. More notably, they want to compete, be a part of a team, be challenged, and they want to win. The Miracle League of Frisco provides that opportunity to realize hopes and dreams of kids and parents each and every week. That is what we do and why we exist. Our goal is to make what we do the “norm” instead of the “exception” everywhere and eliminate the one-time hero videos forever.
LsF: We know you’re grateful to all of your dedicated volunteers. Please tell us about a long-standing volunteer you are particularly proud to have a part of your organization.
ML: Mauricio Frye, Director of Photography. Mauricio established a program to photograph our children at each and every game before the first baseball season nine years ago. These photos are made available to our parents each and every week free of charge. Many of our kids have more action shots than most pro athletes. Cacy Saffery, Board President, Miracle League of Frisco, says,
I believe the commitment and service Mauricio has provided over the past nine years for our kids, parents and organization is priceless. We are truly blessed to have him on our team.
LsF: One of the unique volunteer opportunities that your organization offers is a Volunteer Buddy. What does a Buddy do?
ML: A volunteer buddy helps our players participate in the sport. This can mean providing hand over hand and full physical prompting, or just verbal reminders to “go!”
LsF: Approximately how many athletes have engaged in Miracle League activities this year?
ML: We currently serve approximately 400 area athletes with both mental and physical disabilities.
LsF: What is the greatest need of your organization? (i.e. volunteers, individual donations, sponsors, marketing/cause awareness, in-kind goods/services?)
ML: Awareness, and quality volunteers/leaders with skill sets ranging from administrative to coaching. As we grow, our need for a diversely-skilled team also grows. There is something for everyone in The Miracle League of Frisco!
For more information about The Miracle League of Frisco, check out their Give For Frisco page.
Be sure to register for the 2014 North Texas Turkey Trot, benefiting The Miracle League of Frisco. This popular family event takes place in Frisco Square on Thanksgiving Day, and offers a 10K trot, 5K trot, and a Miracle Mile for kids.
