Opportunity League
 
OPPORTUNITY LEAGUE HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK WITH SEASON TWO
32 children and more than 50 volunteers signed up to be a part of the 2nd season of the Opportunity League, a baseball team created last year for children from any area,
ages 4-21 with a mental or physical disability. The league is a program offered by Easter Seals Pediatric Therapy. Easter Seals partnered with the City of Pelham Parks and Recreation to help coordinate the players, schedule games and have use of the Fungo Hollar Baseball Park. .
“I think the most noticeable difference from last year to this year were that the kids who came back this season were really increasing their skills in baseball,” said Kelli Keith, Director of Development for Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area. “All the coaches and volunteer buddies really worked with players on throwing, catching and batting, and we saw a huge difference between last year and this year because the first year served to lay a foundation for many children who previously never had a chance to play in a baseball league, this year helped solidify the players’ skills,” added Keith.
Because this year matched the success of the league’s inaugural year, Easter Seals and the Pelham Parks and Recreation Department have already agreed to continue the program next year.“This season was great,” said Billy Crandall, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Pelham. “I think it is something we will keep doing as long as we have kids who are interested.”
The Opportunity League wrapped up its second season in Pelham on May 17. During the closing ceremony, all 32 league participants received trophies. Players, their families and volunteers enjoyed food from Texas Roadhouse.
A special thank you to the volunteer coaches for your commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities: Eric Wadsworth, Donna Montgomery, Tracy Dominquez, Daniel Holmes, Kayla Kusiak, Eddie Ageeb, Kathryn Hern and Kelli Keith.
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