MENASHA — Opening day for Goodwill NCW’s three Miracle League programs — Miracle League of the Fox Valley, Miracle League of the Lakeshore and Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley — is fast approaching.

Miracle League is a program that gives children ages 4-19 with intellectual and/or physical disabilities the opportunity to play organized baseball in a noncompetitive league on a safe, accessible field with a synthetic surface while building relationships, engaging socially with others and learning important life skills like teamwork and communication. Each player is paired with a community volunteer. Community volunteers also serve as coaches, announcers and umpires during the typical eight-week season.

Miracle League of the Fox Valley

The Miracle League of the Fox Valley is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year. Games are played at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field at Memorial Park, 1620 E. Witzke Blvd., Appleton. The season runs June 6 to July 29, with no games the week of July 4. An opening-day celebration will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the field. Two hundred players and 290 volunteers are part of the program this season.

To learn more about the league, visit goodwillncw.org/mlfv.

Contact: Heather Hietpas, program leader, at [email protected].

 

Miracle League of the Lakeshore

 

The Miracle League of the Lakeshore is entering its eighth season at Goodwill Miracle Field of Dreams at Miracles Park, 1840 S. 35th St., Manitowoc. The eight-week season gets underway June 6, with games played at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, with no games the week of July 4. One hundred players and 125 volunteers are part of the program this season.   

The Miracle League of the Lakeshore also offers an over-19 All Star League. Individuals over 19 with intellectual and physical disabilities are encouraged to play. The All Star League plays on Wednesday nights. This will be the fourth season of this league.

For more information, visit goodwillncw.org/mll.

Contact: Laura Ziemer, program leader, at [email protected].

Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley

 

The Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley is entering its sixth season, giving 150 kids the opportunity to play baseball. Games are played at the Miracle Field at Jeffers Road Park, 5710 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire. The eight-week regular season gets underway June 6 and continues through the week of Aug. 1. An optional All-Star game will be played on Aug. 7. Games are played at 5:45 and 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For more information, visit goodwillncw.org/mlcv.

Contact: Amy Standiford, program leader, at [email protected].

 

About Goodwill NCW: Goodwill NCW is a nonprofit organization whose mission is Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We work to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by creating pathways for them to reach their full potential through skill building and the power of meaningful work. Goodwill NCW has been recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the highest rating for a nonprofit organization. Visit goodwillncw.org.