APPLETON (NBC26) — A slightly snow covered baseball diamond didn't slow down 10-year-old Sophia Smith as she rounded third base and headed for home Wednesday afternoon on John Wollner Fox Cities Miracle Field.
“We are so ready to be back out on the field this summer," said Katie Smith, Sophia's mom.
Since she was just four years old, Sophia Smith has participated in the Miracle League of the Fox Valley, a program of Goodwill NCW that offers kids with a physical or intellectual disability the opportunity to play baseball on an accessible field.
Smith, who has down syndrome, played for the MLFV Brewers in 2019. She was one of 202 kids to play in the MLFV's tenth season, which had a total of 16 teams.
But safety concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic forced the MLFV to cancel its 2020 season.
“She missed it very much," Katie Smith said. "Trying to explain it to her, why we can’t play, was kind of a challenge for us."
Kids will be able to play ball once again this summer as the MLFV decided to open registration for the 2021 season.
Leaders in the organization are working with local health officials to determine what the best COVID-19 safety measures are.
Kailee Vander Loop, program leader for the MLFV, said that will include extra sanitizing procedures, social distancing when possible and spreading out games so there's not as much cross over between teams.
“It’s super important that leagues like the Miracle League are here, because there’s not a lot of opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in organized sports like their peers," Kailee Vander Loop said. "So this gives them an opportunity to come out here, play baseball, have their own field and have fun just like their peers.”
For Sophia, Katie Smith said playing in the league helps her daughter develop social skills and connections with friends.
“We love coming out here, because I get a chance to sit and watch her play a sport that otherwise she would not get to play," Smith said. "I get to watch her score her runs with a big smile on her face and all the joy in her eyes. It’s so wonderful.”
The MLFV is looking for about 275 volunteers for the 2021 season, including coaches and field support. Vander Loop said their biggest need is for volunteer buddies, who are paired up with players to encourage them out on the field.
Registration is open for players through March 29. Volunteers have until May 17 to sign up.
