San Diego Miracle League recognizes sponsorship and honorees include local Optimist Club – San Diego Union-Tribune

On By Karl

On October 19, San Diego Miracle League Co-Founder and Treasurer Dan Engel thanked the business and organizational sponsors of the league’s special needs children’s and adult baseball teams participating in games during the current fall season. President Joe Kellejian, who received this season’s Miracle League recognition award from the North Coast Optimist Club, received a framed San Diego Padres jersey gifted by Engel in recognition of the club’s sponsorship of Team Smith.

Founded more than 15 years ago, the San Diego Miracle League offers children and adults with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league, according to a news release.

Each player is matched with a friend based on their unique needs. The goal is for everyone to say “I had a great day!” saying and walking away. Teams play on fields specially prepared to accommodate players who require the use of walkers, wheelchairs or other assistive devices. Players take turns to bat with their team, run the bases with their friends, and field while the opposing team is batting.

Friends help players determine their positions. Each team has a coach or several coaches who organize the activities of its players.

Founded in 1981, the North Coast Optimist Club serves youth in the Del Mar, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, Pacific Highlands, Rancho Santa Fe and Encinitas communities in a variety of ways with the support of local organizations. Some of the local organizations currently supported include: San Diego Miracle League, Cub Scouts Pack 734, Casa de Amistad, Winston School, Torrey Pines High School Scholarship Foundation, and Junior Optimist Clubs at the high school and elementary level.

The Club invites members of the Del Mar, Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Pacific Highlands and Encinitas communities to contact Optimist Club President Joe Kellejian at [email protected] or Club Secretary Jim Parrotte at [email protected] for information It does. About Optimist Club membership and ways you can help and support young people in these local communities.

Join the club at an upcoming meeting to learn more about local nonprofits’ programs and how they make a difference in North County and the greater San Diego area.