WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Hartford softball team joined forces with members of the Hawks' baseball squad and volunteered at The Miracle League of Connecticut on Saturday afternoon. The Hartford student-athletes had the opportunity to interact with children who have significant disabilities by assisting them both on the field and at the plate during baseball games.
Not only did the student-athletes help enhance the experience for the children; they were both encouraged and inspired by the children they worked with as well. The Hawks' softball team is extremely grateful that they had the opportunity to be a part of such a unique organization and look forward to teaming up with the children again in the future.
For the past few weeks, the Hartford Hawks baseball team has also partnered up with the Miracle League. The student-athletes have served as “buddies” for the children, and have been assisting these kids while they play, helping provide them with the best experience possible. In addition, several baseball players spearheaded a fundraiser last weekend to raise money for the Miracle League. Student-athletes helped coordinate a carwash in West Hartford that raised more than $500 for the organization.
After three years of fundraising, the Miracle League of Connecticut has been up and running since the spring of 2012. The mission of The Miracle League of Connecticut is to provide boys and girls between the ages of 5-18 with development and/or physical challenges the opportunity to participate in baseball and other team sports in a safe, nurturing and enjoyable environment. The organization also allows for their families to join together with other families to experience the joy of play and the building of new friendships.
The Miracle League of Connecticut recently completed the construction of a versatile, completely flat, cushioned, synthetic surface baseball field at West Hartford's Little League complex, located alongside three traditional fields. This field provides thousands of athletes with significant disabilities, especially those with motor or visual difficulties, the opportunity to play in a safe, accessible and inclusive environment. The Miracle League of Connecticut is open to all children with development or physical disabilities throughout the Greater Hartford Area.
