Bethesda Club Benefits Special Needs Baseball Players
by Shira E. Oler, Bethesda Kiwanis Board Member and Jim Leder, President of the Miracle League of Montgomery Co. and Past Lt. Governor Div 17 and member of Bethesda Kiwanis (Photo Album images by Bob Cressy and Jim Leder)
At the Kiwanis Convention in Montreal in 2006 we were introduced to the "Miracle Field" Concept. This idea originated in Conyers, Ga. To build a rubberized field that makes it possible for children with special needs to play baseball. They showed a film of a game that brought the audience to tears. We were touched and returned to Bethesda Kiwanis with our hearts set on building a Miracle Field here. That was the beginning of The Miracle League of Montgomery County. This baseball field will provide children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball as a team member. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters eyes. But for children with special needs the opportunity is not always available. The Miracle League Field will make this possible. It is the first of its kind in Maryland and will serve the children in Montgomery County, the surrounding counties, D.C. and Virginia. (Pictured above, Past President Jeanne Smith, Bethesda Club, brings up another batter to hit. Keeping players safe and having fun is the goal. Well done!)
On Saturday, the 28th of August, Bethesda Kiwanis and Kiwanians from all the clubs in Division 17 held a special event. We had an exhibition game and we had children with disabilities play baseball. Since we have not built our field yet, they had to play on a dirt field that was adjusted for them to play.
"This day will last me the rest of the year. It was unbelievable" stated Jeanne Smith, President of the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda. "The emotion, spirit and determination...in the eyes and bodies of these children clearly showed why we need to build a customized field for them" stated Jim Leder, President of the Miracle League of Montgomery Co. Parents and spectators gathered there for what proved to be a very emotional day. Like the movie, "Field of Dreams", the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda, and their partner clubs in Division 17 will build this field and they will come. Here.. there are no "outs", everyone gets a chance at bat, Buddies will help them go around the bases. In Kiwanis we have lots of Buddies...Key Clubs and Builders Clubs. The result is that dreams really do come true, as in Montreal, there were tears in the eyes of the spectators.
August 28th was a big day for children with special needs in the Metro-Washington area. Our goal now is to build this special Miracle Field by next Spring. We would encourage anyone interested to help us make this a reality. We welcome help from any club, individual, contractor or vendors of items need to build the field. Check out our website at http://www.miracleleaguemontcomd.com/. Watch the video to see and hear more about the Miracle League. For more information contact Jim Leder at DrNo813@aol.com.
Remember, this is for any and all children in the Metro-Washington area with disabilities. As Kiwanians, we stress "changing the world one child and one community at a time." In this case, let us help hundreds of children and our entire community, no matter where they may live. No child with special needs will be turned away.
