CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Miracle League of Corpus Christi received a significant gift on Saturday.
It will allow for expansion of the league. The non-profit provides an opportunity for people with special needs to play the sports they offer.
A $12,500 check will support the league's new sports like flag football and a 5k run. With 150 kids and adults, league president Brian Devaney said they are trying to make it a year-round sports program and reach more people across the Coastal Bend.
"We have a huge population of special needs individuals that need to be able to have access to sports and recreation and prior to this, there really wasn't much," Devaney said.
Devaney has been president since the league started 15 years ago. He said new sports are added every couple of years and it started with baseball. The Fall baseball season is finishing up after multiple weeks of play. He said participants can build social skills while having fun and staying active.
"You have to experience it, you really do, to really grasp how moving it is for the families and the players," Devaney said.
The donation will also fund sports equipment and uniforms. Venessa Salazar, Driscoll Health Plan community outreach coordinator, said it allows them to embrace diversity and inclusion for all athletes.
"It's wonderful to be able to see some of the children and adults having fun, enjoying themselves and we want to make sure to make it safe," Salazar said. "And, you know, just enjoyable for everybody with different abilities."
Some players have been in the league for years. Matilda Ramos has a mental disability and joined when she was little. Now 23 years old, she explained her love of catching the ball and what else she does when she's on the field.
"Enjoy the fun," Ramos said.
Devaney said they want to expand the league to 250 people next year. They also offer basketball, kickball, tennis and more.
"We just want as many people as possible to come to the Miracle League and have a wonderful time because everybody deserves a chance to play," Devaney said.
To sign up for sports, donate and volunteer, Devaney said you can visit their website.
