Houston was home to yet another All-Star Game last weekend, and M2L Associates was thrilled to be part of the festivities! The 3rd Annual Miracle League All-Star Game came to Houston at the Langham Creek Family YMCA’s J.E. and L.E. Mabee Adaptive Sports Complex in northwest Houston, bringing 111 players from across the country for the big game.
The Miracle League supports children and families with physical and mental disabilities by removing barriers that keep them from playing and competing in baseball, providing special baseball fields and leagues to help the children experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime.
The Miracle League All-Star weekend gives the organization’s 270 local leagues the opportunity to send one delegate to experience a “once in a lifetime” weekend of participating in the big game and feeling like an All Star. Last weekend’s big event included opening ceremonies, games for the players, an awards gala and dance, as well as all-star treatment for all participating kids and families. The All Stars enjoyed a meet and greet at Minute Maid Park sponsored by the Astros Foundation, a police escort of their procession through Houston and the gift of an All-Star ring at the awards gala.
M2L Associates Principals Lynn Mauer and Michael Mauer were there Saturday, volunteering their time to help put on the games and representing M2L, which has sponsored the Miracle League and adaptive sports programs here in Houston since 2019. M2L upped its support for the All-Star game by sponsoring player Jacob S., who participates in the Miracle League through his home Langham Creek Family YMCA. Sponsorship covered all costs for Jacob to participate in all activities and be “drafted” to his beloved Astros.
“The thing that stood out to me was the players’ enthusiasm for baseball and joy to be named an All Star for the weekend,” said Michael Mauer, M2L principal. “Every aspect of the Mabee complex and the adaptive sports program is geared toward helping special-needs families feel important and maximize the joy of sports.”
The Miracle League first came to Houston at the Langham Creek Family YMCA in 2013 when three Cypress residents came together to raise funds and awareness for the importance of bringing baseball to all children. In less than a decade, and through the continued financial gifts and commitment of corporate and individual sponsors like M2L, the Mabee complex has grown to multiple fields and is considered a showcase for other Miracle Leagues across the country.
In addition to the accessible synthetic surface baseball fields, the adaptive sports complex includes a covered, multipurpose pavilion, a barrier-free playground, and plenty of space for outdoor play and other sports. Organizers say more than 1,000 families with special needs will be eventually be served with baseball as well as swimming, soccer, basketball and flag football.
How did the Miracle League begin in Houston?
“We hope our involvement and support of the Miracle League will help get the word out that Houston is home to this wonderful cause and unique sports complex that makes a life-changing difference for these kids and families,” Mauer added.
To learn more about how you or your company can get involved at the Langham Creek Family YMCA Adaptive Sports programs, click here, or here to learn more about the Miracle League.