Story By DRUW GIAMALVA
It was a crowded night Thursday at Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater as hundreds of friends, families and community members gathered for the opening night parade for the Miracle League of Albertville and Youth Sports. The Miracle League of Albertville started in Fall of 2021, where they started off with just 51 athletes and four teams. Today, the league has grown into so much more, as there are now 203 athletes on 16 teams competing.
“The Miracle League of Albertville began in the fall of 2021 with just 51 athletes and four teams. Today, we’ve grown to 203 athletes and 16 teams. We are incredibly blessed with the most amazing athletes, coaches and buddies,” said Lisa Hansford, coordinator of the Miracle League of Albertville.
Nate Chacon announced each Miracle team to a roar of cheers from the crowd. After the announcement of each team, everyone was led in prayer by Will Brumbeloe and finished off with a moving performance from the Shining Stars.
The Miracle League is a special league for children or adults who suffer from physical or mental disabilities. The Miracle League removes the barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of baseball. To help the athletes, the league uses a “buddy” pairing system with each player, where they create a strong and trusting bond.
“Our athletes make every game special, but our buddies make it possible. They come to be a blessing to others and leave feeling blessed themselves. None of this would be possible without our incredible staff: Mark Coy, Mona Barksdale, Austin Freeman and Lena Bilbrey, whose dedication helps make every season a success,” Hansford said.
Miracle League teams play on custom-designed turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices that prevent them from injuries. The league is for ages 5 to 99 but offers a 15 and under league and a 16 and up league. The Miracle League of Albertville holds a spring (April and May) and a fall (September and October) season.
