Sept. 17, 2009
By Stephanie Hayes
UCFAthletics.com
This past weekend, athletes from the UCF women's basketball team made their way out into the community to volunteer with the Miracle League. A youth baseball league designed to give mentally and physically disabled children the opportunity to participate in a sport that might otherwise have very limited access for them, the Miracle League not only promotes the sport itself but also the building of self-esteem and camaraderie that playing it can provide.
On fields specifically designed to accommodate the needs of the participants, children and UCF student-athletes alike took to the plate for what proved to be a unique opportunity for members of the league to participate in an exciting game of T-Ball.
In order to assist players, the Miracle league has developed a system aptly titled "Angels in the Outfield." This buddy system pairs each child with an able-bodied volunteer, a role UCF student-athletes were more than willing to play, and allows for a unique bond to be formed between the two.
"With the high demands we place on our student-athletes, it is always great to see them sacrifice their free time to give back to the youth in our community," said Marcus Sedberry, Asst. Director of Student Services with UCF athletics. "The student-athletes and the kids got a lot from the experience. They put smiles on each other's faces and everyone walked away from the event refreshed, excited and inspired."
Now in its eighth year, the Miracle League has 125 participants and has opened a second league in Clermont.