May 24 (Day 85) Chicago in July...

If you have some vacation time available, here is a great way to spend your time.  Many volunteers are needed to fill a variety of positions July 17-24, 2010.    Can You Help?

The NJDC -National Junior Disability Championships-  began in July 1984 as a small meet sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports USA, for wheelchair athletes ages 7-21. Since that time, the NJDC has grown to include over 300 athletes with cerebral palsy, visual impairments, amputations, spinal injuries, and limb deficiencies from across the United States and several foreign countries. The 2010 Games span 8 days, and 7 different athletic competitions. Some of these amazing young competitors will qualify for the U.S. Paralympic Team in the next few years.

The National Junior Disability Championships are held every year (usually in July) in the United States. It is an Olympic-style sports competition for physically disabled youth, including (but not limited to) those with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, amputees, visually impaired/blind, dwarfism, and any other similar physical disabilities that impede movement/the ability to participate in non-adapted sports.

Competitions are held in track, field events (javelin, shotput, discus, club, softball throw), weightlifting, table tennis, archery, swimming, and 3-on-3 basketball. Athletes can be from 7 - 21 years of age. Several Paralympic athletes started their career as competitors at the NJDC.

The National Junior Disability Championships were first held in July, 1984 with only 3 events. Since then, the NJDC has been held in various states.  This year they will be held at Deerfield High School and  Lake Forest High School in Illinois via GLASA - Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.

Ways to get involved:

Donate cash or items from their "wish list."

Adopt an Athlete program.

Volunteer - for one day or for the whole week - there are many positions available so check out their volunteer sign up sheet and see how you can help. We need many, many community volunteers to work during the eight days of Games, July 17-24, in a variety of fun and interesting roles! Work just one shift on one day... or volunteer to help out all week!   If you live in the area, or might consider taking a vacation to the area at that time, this is a great opportunity to get involved. 

Source:  www.njdc2010.org

April 5 (Day 36) The REAL Boys & Girls of Summer!

"Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play Baseball."

 

 
Yesterday was "Opening Day" for another MLB Season. In honor of opening day, I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video and if this touches your heart, maybe this is a cause you can champion!
 
My son is 19 years old now but I remember with great affection and pride, watching him play little league as a young child.  It brought us all such happiness and pride... he loved it and so did we!  That is probably one reason that today's cause really tugs at my heartstrings! There is something about kids and playing baseball, each one brings so much to the other.  
 
The Miracle League has a variety of volunteer opportunities. By giving only a few hours of your time not only will you make a difference in a special child’s life, but you will also create a positive awareness in yourself.
 
One of the most important parts of The Miracle League is the “buddy” system – pairing each player with an able bodied friend to assist them on and off the field during a two inning game. Guidance is generously offered by coaches, organization leaders and family members. We are looking for people who are willing to donate their time, a little or a lot, to help us out in this capacity. Buddies can be fellow schoolmates, parents, college or high school students, athletes, business leaders, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or any individual or group who wishes to volunteer their time to give the child the gift of baseball and a smile that touches us all

There are only a few rules that govern our program. Individuals must be 12 years or older. Enthusiasm and compassion is key. We offer affidavits for anyone who needs to meet requirements for volunteer hours. Become a “buddy” and you will be captivated by how much you are needed and cherished by the kids and their families. We do not look upon our kids as handicapped but as friends.

 
Click here for a list of "Miracle Leagues" across the country. Click on the Volunteer Opportunities page to see what opportunities are available in your area.  If you don't see a league listed for your area, click here for contact information.  If you cannot volunteer, consider making a monetary donation to the league serving your area. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source: The Miracle League
Related Links: www.miracleleague.com
                      www.michiganmiracle.org/