Greensboro College Softball Takes Time out of Busy Schedule to Give Children
“the Best Time of Their Lives”
(GREENSBORO, N.C.) – While the Greensboro College softball team has had
plenty of accomplishments on the field under third year head coach Whitney
Gelin, the team’s most rewarding impact may come off of it. Among the
numerous volunteer opportunities that team takes part in included a recent
stop at the Miracle League in High Point, NC.
The mission of the Miracle League is to provide opportunities to all
children with special needs to play baseball regardless of their abilities.
The idea for the league started in 1997 and has since grown to 240 teams
across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia.
Even with classes and fall practice underway, The Pride took time out of
their busy schedules to partner with the Miracle League’s “Buddy” system.
As part of the “Buddy” system, each player is paired with a volunteer
helper.
The duty and goals of a Miracle League “Buddy” is to protect your buddy at
all times, assist them according to their needs, allow them to have as much
freedom as possible to play, and most importantly; have fun.
For senior utility player Brittany Evans, the chance to volunteer for the
Miracle League carries extra meaning. Evans, whose brother has cerebral
palsy, cherished her experience with the Miracle League because it is “nice
to give them [the Miracle League players] the opportunity to play and I
appreciate it because my brother never had anything to partake in. It gives
the players the same rights and backgrounds as their peers without special
needs.”
She also said the most enjoyable part of the opportunity is “seeing the
smiles on the kid’s faces and helping to give them the best time of their
lives.”
Another senior, first baseman Kelsey Burkett, said the biggest impact that
volunteering has had on her is that it “is a great way for people to be
humble and help kids. It is only three hours out of my day and it is
enjoyable and rewarding.”
According to Burkett, the highlight is “seeing the kid’s laugh, have fun and
do what they want to do.”
The Greensboro softball team will continue to assist with the Miracle League
on a regular basis. For more information on the Miracle League, visit
http://www.miracleleague.com/home.html.