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This page will be used to post League news and related articles about the Miracle League of Green Bay. (Note: Some links may have elapsed there time limit for posting by the publisher and may no longer be accessible.)
June 18, 2010
Link: http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/96631879.htmlMiracle League reaches record numbersWFRV News
Story Created: Jun 18, 2010 at 12:38 AM CDT Story Updated: Jun 18, 2010 at 12:38 AM CDT GREEN BAY (WFRV) - Hundreds of kids from our area are playing baseball, despite personal challenges.
The Miracle League welcomes any kid with physical or mental challenges, to play baseball with the help of a buddy.
This year there are a record number of players of 190 kids on 14 teams.
This is the Green Bay league's 5th season. Three other Wisconsin cities have Miracle Leagues, including Appleton.
June 7, 2009
Green Bay Press Gazette
Miracle League baseball players hit the field
Opening day chilly but fun, rewarding
By Nathan Phelps
nphelps@greenbaypressgazette.com
ALLOUEZ — With a hit up the middle, the 2009 Miracle League of Green Bay got under way Saturday morning in Allouez in conditions more suited to opening day in March or April than June.
But for the athletes on the field and their families in the stands, the league is a welcome return to having fun and building life skills with the American pastime.
For Morgan Bodart of Pulaski, Saturday's opening day marked a return to the diamond.
"I like to hit the ball," she said.
Her mother, Janell Peters, said the league helps build her daughter's self-esteem and gives her a chance to participate in sports.
"It gives us an opportunity to cheer her on," Peters said. "It goes beyond a sports activity, because it's their life skills they are learning. Cooperation, taking their turn, listening to their coach, following directions — the things we take for granted that come easily for us."
The Miracle League, playing games at Resch Miracle Field in Allouez, is entering its fourth season and is designed to allow kids from 4 to 19 with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to play baseball in an organized setting.
Janice Welhouse of Oconto Falls leaned against an outfield fence during the first game between the Giants and Cubs. Her grandson, Brandon Kesler, was playing later in the day with the Diamondbacks.
"People helping people never hurts," she said about the program.
Welhouse said she hopes Brandon has fun with the league and believes in himself and the people around him.
"And no matter tough times or good times, people are there for people," she said. "It's family. They are family."
Al Taylor of Howard, who coaches the Marlins with Craig Settersten, got involved in the program three years ago, along with his son, Preston, who is 7.
He said baseball gives the kids a break from the structured routines of physical, occupational and speech therapy.
"For them to get their name and number called out and where they are from over the PA … it's probably the only time in their lives where they've had something close to what other children get," he said. "This is an opportunity for them to have an hour and a half where they can play the game."
Taylor's wife, Julie, is team "mom" for the Marlins, which means — among other things — getting the 13 players on the team ready to hit the field.
She said involvement with the program has not only helped her son, but also has been rewarding for her, as she has watched the players on the team develop the past few seasons.
"I cry at every game," she said with a laugh. "To see the kids come running into bases, and they get hugs. It's very rewarding."
June 6, 2009
Allouez Miracle League Opens 4th Season
Updated: June 6, 2009 06:37 PM CDT The Miracle League of Green Bay opens a fourth memory making season at Allouez Optimist Park today. The league provides the opportunity for kids with mental and physical disabilities to take a swing at team sports. "Lets hear it for the Cubs!" It's a cheer that's not heard often in Green Bay, but parents and fans cheered on these little Cubs and 11 other teams at Miracle Field today. The Miracle League has grown to 165 players in it's fourth year, but progress can be measured by more than just numbers. <Teresa Anderson/volunteer coordinator 30:53 "What's so neat is being here four years, I've seen these kids grow each year," says volunteer coordinator Teresa Anderson. "It just they I hate to say it but get a little better. One year they wont touch the ball and the next year their throwing it and maybe hitting it all by themselves." But getting better comes with practice, as Lisa Robbins' 9 year old son knows. "He last year started the season not really knowing how to use a bat and we now have several plastic bats and wiffle balls in the house and he practices every day," she says. Miracle League play not only these kids a summer sport to look forward to all year round, it also gives their parents some much needed support. "Its really fun to see all the families and you get to meet other families with kids who have special needs and its really nice to network that way too," says Miracle League mom Sarah Cross. A nice way for parents to network and a great way for these kids to build confidence, because taking a small swing can make a big difference. "Letting them be so much like normal kids. Its incredible. And that's all they really want," says Cross.
Video Link:
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=10490392
May 2, 2009
WLUK TV - Fox 11 - "Good Day Wisconsin"
"Miracle Man" writes bookUpdated: Saturday, 02 May 2009, 9:13 AM CDT
Published : Saturday, 02 May 2009, 8:43 AM CDT GREEN BAY - Baseball. It's one of America's favorite pasttimes. The Miracle League in Green Bay helps kids with mental and physical challenges enjoy the sport, just like any other player on the field. The league was started by Paul Liegeois in 2006, and caters to kids ages four to 19 with disabilities. "It's an opportunity for the kids to play baseball on a real team, with major league look-alike uniforms in an organized league," said Liegeois. Liegeois has now written a book about his experiences since starting the league. "The Making of a Miracle ... League" not only explains how The Miracle League began, but how it has affected many children and their families across the area. The Miracle League begins its 2009 season on Saturday, June 6th.
Link to Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M39T9_tFenA
April 3, 2009
WFRV TV5 News - Appleton May Receive Miracle Ballfield
Link to story and video of Appleton's City Council approval of new field; also news on Paul Liegeois' book:
http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/story/Appleton-may-receive-Miracle-ballfield/RzOk8HFLkUmX15VYOgekxg.cspx
April 3, 2009
Allouez park inspires new Miracle League in Fox Cities
Kids with disabilities would get own baseball field
BY STEVE WIDEMAN
Gannett Wisconsin Media
APPLETON — Lisa Robbins of Appleton didn't know her 9-year-old son, Michael, had a passion for baseball.
Robbins found it hard to figure out just what brought her son, who has autism, any joy and happiness.
That changed in a heartbeat last June when Michael's normally passive face broke into a wide smile.
With the national anthem playing loudly over an intercom, Michael and 25 other children with physical and mental disabilities lined up along a special baseball park in Allouez for opening day games.
"It gave me lots of hope, and pride that Michael was finally involved in something others take for granted," Lisa Robbins said.
Michael would bat twice that day and score two runs at the Allouez Optimist Club's community park, home for a rubberized field built for the Miracle League of Green Bay.
Robbins belongs to a group of Fox Cites residents hoping to establish their own Miracle League field at Appleton's Memorial Park.
The Parks and Recreation Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve a concept plan to build the ballpark for children with special needs on the northwest corner of Memorial Park.
"Whatever it takes, we'll make it work," Alderman Jim Clemons said.
The rubberized baseball field and Miracle League program was developed in 1999 in Conyers, Ga., by parents of children with disabilities, Robbins said.
"When Michael first started playing baseball he couldn't even hold a plastic bat or hit the ball off a tee," Robbins said. "Now, he loves baseball, not only as a hobby, but as a passion."
She said four children from Appleton, Menasha and Neenah traveled last summer to play in the Green Bay league, which had 12 teams and 150 children participating in 2008.
Robbins said her group plans to begin efforts in May to raise more than $500,000 to build Appleton's own Miracle League facility, including a baseball field and dugouts at a cost of $255,000 along a concession stand and adjacent rubberized playground.
Robbins said the Green Bay league opened its first season in 2006 with the help of major donations from former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation and Richard Resch, chief executive officer of the KI Convention Center.
When the Miracle League started in Green Bay, the only other one in the state was in Kenosha.
Paul Liegeois, a retired electric and gas utility executive, founded the Green Bay league after learning of a similar program through national Miracle League Association chairman Dean Alford.
"I think it's wonderful that they're starting their own field for more kids in the Fox Valley," he said.
— Steve Wideman writes for The Post-Crescent of Appleton. — Sara Boyd/Press-Gazette.
April 1, 2009
(From Green Bay Press Gazette)
News in Northeastern Wisconsin
Allouez
Paul Liegeois, executive director and founder of the Miracle League of Green Bay, has written a book about his experiences bringing the Miracle League to Brown County.
"The Making of a Miracle … League: The Miracle League of Green Bay Story" is available at http://www.iuniverse.com/ and online at Barnes & Noble.
Printed copies will be available soon at the Miracle League of Green Bay's Web site, at http://www.greenbaymiracleleague.com/.
The book tells the story of bringing to life a baseball program for children with disabilities. Included in the journey are details about support and funding from former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and his wife, Deanna, and experiences with the families of the league.
For information about the book, contact Paul Liegeois at (920) 497-2298 or LiegeoisPaul@aol.com.
To order from Barnes & Noble:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Making-Of-A-MiracleLeague/Paul-The-Miracle-Man-Liegeois/e/9781440124822/?itm=1
January 1, 2009
Teresa Anderson feature in the Press-Gazette as one of the nominees for "Everyday Hero" for her Volunteer work with the Miracle League as Buddy Coordinator.
Link: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901010590
Everyday Hero: Summer or winter, baseball's on her mind
New Franken woman coordinates volunteers for Miracle League
By Malavika Jagannathan
mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com
Whether she's off or on the Miracle League field, New Franken resident Teresa Anderson has in mind the nonprofit organization that offers mentally or physically disabled children a chance to play baseball.
As the volunteer coordinator and scheduler extraordinaire, Anderson is involved with the program on some level throughout the year, although the season runs between June and August.
Anderson was nominated to be a 2008 Everyday Hero by her husband, Jim Anderson, who said he's witnessed her dedication to the program that she's involved in as a coach, a parent of an athlete and a coordinator that goes beyond the job description.
Everyday Heroes are people whose deeds make Northeastern Wisconsin a better place to live.
"She has a sense of what needs to be done … then takes care of it herself," Jim Anderson said.
The 37-year-old moved from Algoma to work in group homes, then got involved in Special Olympics, and that led to her involvement in the Miracle League program in Green Bay. Her oldest daughter, Emily, has been a part of the Miracle League from its inception and her younger daughter, Hannah, is a volunteer.
"We both had the same idea of starting a baseball program," said Paul Liegeois, founder of Miracle League in Green Bay. "It just clicked. Right from the beginning, she came with the experience with the Special Olympics and she's very thorough."
With the number of participants rising each year — this last year the organization had about 150 — Anderson's job is to find "buddies" for all the athletes. These are volunteers who work with the athletes on the field, and Miracle League rules don't allow athletes to play without them. Last year she had a pool of about 200.
"I'm not going to have one of the kids sit out because their buddies didn't show up," said Anderson, adding that she sees her position as more than just matching volunteers and athletes.
Sometimes, it involves pushing the kids and their parents to do what's best for the athlete. Anderson doesn't like matching siblings or parents, for example.
"I really try to encourage the moms, the dads, the siblings to give the kids their independence" Anderson said. "That's part of the Miracle League."
She chalks up some of those intuitive abilities to her experiences with disabilities — from working in group homes to having a child with a mental disability — that has made her more attuned to how to deal with the athletes.
"I worked with disabled adults, disabled kids … sometimes I think it's just part of me," Anderson said. "Without trying, I recognize what they need, whether it's like a little bit more stern attitude."
Work on the next season starts almost immediately with registration kicking off in January, hopefully through a newly designed Web site, and then getting the team roster prepared. In between, she also continues to run a hair salon and take care of her teenage daughters.
"Being an observer, she doesn't realize the impact that she makes not only on the athletes but the parents," Jim Anderson said. "She raises their expectation level of what their child can do."
The nominees
Nominee: Teresa Anderson, 37, Green Bay
Nominator: Jim Anderson, New Franken
Teresa is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Miracle League of Green Bay. The Miracle League is an organized baseball league for mentally and physically challenged boys and girls. Teresa has been involved with the Miracle League since its inception. As the Volunteer Coordinator, she is responsible for coordinating all of the 'athletes', coaches and the 'buddies'. Coordination includes maintaining all of the necessary athlete forms, buddy forms, coach's forms, athlete registration, buddy registration, and game schedules. In addition, she is one of the coaches with her own daughter Emily as one of the athletes.
She spends countless hours during the spring sign up and summer playing season. She is there for all the games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, making sure that all athletes are ready to go and that buddies are in place to assist the athletes. You should see Teresa working with the athletes and giving them a sense of pride in just participating. Her passion for helping those less fortunate can be seen in the eyes of the athletes and their parents.
Nominee: Sister Laura Zelten, Notre Dame High School
Nominator: Harold Zelten, De Pere
Laura is very active with students from Notre Dame High School. They travel to parts of the South and Chicago to work with the poor. They also went ot the southern states to help with Habitat for Humanity. Around Green Bay she helps feed the poor and homeless. She is a real inspiration for the students. Laura is a sister with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross Bay Settlement.
Additional Facts
September 8, 2008
ESPN Recognizes the Miracle League of Green Bay at its "Chalk Talk" Luncheon Series prior to the Packers-Vikings Monday Night Football game. Nominated by the Green Bay Packers, the Miracle League received the "Fans Helping Fans" award, along with a check for $2,000 for the program.
"Packers, Vikings Alumni Come Together For ESPN's Chalk Talk Luncheon
by Duke Bobber, Packers.com
posted 09/08/2008
To coincide with the kickoff to the 2008 NFL season, ESPN's Monday Night Football Chalk Talk Luncheon series touched down in Green Bay for the first time.
The series, which debuted last season, is geared toward showcasing the teams, host cities, and fans in the weekly primetime matchup. Green Bay is the first of 12 stops the series has planned for the 2008 NFL season. The luncheons also recognize local organizations for their involvement in youth fitness initiatives in their communities.
Dick's Sporting Goods selected the Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay as its 2008 Community Service Award winner. The Club is no stranger to recognition; over the last five years, Green Bay's Club has won more national program awards than any other Boys & Girls Club in America - regardless of budget or market size.
The Miracle League of Green Bay received the other award, presented by the Green Bay Packers. Founded in 2006, the League provides physically and mentally challenged children the chance to experience sports the same way as able-bodied kids. The League built a customized and accessible baseball field and pairs an able-bodied volunteer "buddy" with each player.
ESPN's John Seibel, who hosted the luncheon, appreciates the bond between the Packers and community organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and the Miracle League.
"It's responsible that the team understands that they have to take care of the community," Seibel said. "The community gives them so much that the team has to give back.
"We're talking about having buddies help physically-challenged kids be able to play games. It's so wonderful that there are organizations like that who are willing to go out there and take care of everybody in the community."
Seibel was joined on stage by ESPN colleagues Mike Tirico and David Amber, as well as former Packers Robert Brooks, Antonio Freeman, and Dorsey Levens, and former Vikings safety Robert Griffith.
For Freeman, the luncheon is a great way to reconnect with friends and reminisce about the past.
"It's always good to come back to Green Bay and visit with our former teammates," Freeman said. "You never get football out of your system. You miss the locker room. I miss going into that locker room and being with my brothers."
It should come as no surprise that, when it came to predictions, the only player to side with the Vikings was Griffith. All prognosticating aside, everyone realizes the magnitude of the opening game on Monday night.
"It's a big deal," Freeman said. "This is the first Monday Night Football game of the season."
With the opening game this season pitting them against a division rival and being on a national stage, home field advantage may prove to be the edge.
"There is no comparison," Seibel said. "I've found that this is the most passionate market, bar none.
"I'm not just saying that because I'm in Green Bay. From what I've seen across the country, the two biggest fan bases that I've ever encountered have been the Packers and the Steelers. I tip the cap to the Packers" "
Photo Link:
http://www.packers.com/multimedia/photo_galleries/2008_non-game/2008-09-08/
August 9, 2008
WBAY TV 2
2008 Miracle League Holds Olympic-Style Closing Ceremony
Updated: Aug 9, 2008 07:00 PM CDT
Video Link: http://www.wbay.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=2785551&h1=2008%20Miracle%20League%20Closing%20Ceremony&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=120233&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&activePane=info&rnd=95526274
The 2008 Miracle League wraps up and in dramatic fashion.
Like the hundreds of athletes competing in Beijing in the Olympics, these baseball players light the torch on another successful season. Step by step, flags in hand, these athletes close out their season in Olympic style. Someone holds the torch and players round the bases before the games begin. "I had tears in my eyes because it was so neat to see these kids come out and march around the field," says Joanne Radzinski, who came out to watch her grandson play. "And they were so proud. Words can't express how proud they feel." 11-year-old Trey Radzinski has played in Allouez's Miracle League for two years. No matter how many times it takes him to connect, he always does and the crowd always cheers. "It's a great feeling that he's able to enjoy this and do something he likes to do," says Trey's mom, Starr Strom. "He sees it on TV or we go to the Brewers game once in a while so he sees that so it makes him feel like he's in the game," says Trey's dad, Jerry Radzinski. All the players in this league have some disability. 10-year-old Andrew Karban has a condition that makes him react like he has a stroke, but on this diamond, he shines. "Kim and his best buddy play on this team," says Andrew's dad Jack. "He wakes up, looks forward to it, just the ability to put on a ball uniform like the other kids do." "Takes a lot of time and a lot of money to do something like this and the fact that other people are willing to do that for others is a really cool deal," says Jack Karban. This is the Miracle League's third year and organizers say more teams joins every season. August 9,2008League to play season's final game
Today marks end for Miracle League with game, ceremony
By Sara Boyd
sboyd2@greenbaypressgazette.com ALLOUEZ — Just as the 2008 Summer Olympics begin, a group of local athletes celebrate the end of their season. The Miracle League of Green Bay, a nonprofit organization that offers children who have mental or physical challenges the chance to play baseball, ends its third season today. One hundred and forty-five players from all over Northeastern Wisconsin participated in the nine-week program. "We're going to have a closing ceremony that is Olympic-themed," said Paul Liegeois, founder and executive director. "The oldest kids will carry in the torch. It's going to be a lot of fun." Liegeois said he anticipates nearly 1,000 visitors — friends, family and general supporters — for the final festivities. Though it's been a busy season, with continued growth and completion of the first phase of a handicap-accessible playground, Liegeois said it's always hard to see another season come to a close. "One thing for sure, I can't believe the season is ending already," he said. "A lot of players' parents have indicated to me that they don't want to see it end." This will be the last season for five participants. The Miracle League is open to ages 4 to 19, and some players will soon exceed the age requirement. "For the 19-year-olds, there's so many emotions," he said. The grand finale will include flags from each team, a presentation from the U.S. Marine color guard and the league's final six games of the season. It will be a quick vacation for Liegeois, but then it's back to preparations for next year, he said, as growth expectations and new plans emerge. "Fundraising will start up again, and then we sign them up and do it all over again," he said.
July 23, 2008
Baseball players trade practice for life lesson
By Leigh Ann Wagner Kroening
Kewaunee County News
As a baseball coach of 8-, 9- and 10-year-old boys, Mark Jandrin has seen his share of frustration, uncertainty and even tears. Learning the game can be tough and excelling even tougher.
But for some kids, baseball is even more challenging. Take, for instance, Carson Kinnard. The 8-year-old son of Jandrin's friend, Rob Kinnard, loves the game and is a regular in the stands at many different local games. And despite being in a wheelchair, Carson also plays weekly games in the Miracle League of Green Bay.
Jandrin thought his team, including his pitcher son, could learn a lot from Carson's desire and determination.
"I wanted my son and every kid on the team to realize that things could be a heck of a lot worse than walking a bunch of players and having your dad take you out of the game," Jandrin said. "Rather than have an hour and a half of practice on a Wednesday night, I thought we could give them a life lesson."
Jandrin worked with Rob Kinnard to plan a surprise trip to one of Carson's games, which are held at a specially designed, handicapped-accessible baseball field at the Allouez Optimist Park. Coaches Jandrin and Todd Jorgenson, 11 players and a handful of parents took in the experience of a Miracle League game July 9.
Rob Kinnard said Carson was surprised and touched to see the group at his game.
"He's used to having a lot of people at his games, but it was extra special to have this familiar group of kids there to watch him," Kinnard said. "I think it was a neat experience for those kids too."
Paul Liegeois, executive director of Miracle League of Green Bay, said the event is made to be as much like a professional baseball game as possible. There is a public address system and an announcer who calls each batter's name and gives a play-by-play account of the action.
With the help of buddy players, each Miracle League player gets the opportunity to bat, run the bases and score a run.
Rob Kinnard had told Liegeois the Blue Jays were making a special visit, and the Luxemburg coaches and a few players led the flag rising before the game.
"I really commend the coaches for bringing the kids," Liegeois said. "They gave their team a rare opportunity to learn an amazing lesson. Hopefully the next time their players are in a slump, having trouble batting or upset that they're not a first-string player, they'll remember and realize that Miracle League players are just happy to be out there playing baseball and living the experience."
Rob Kinnard said the Blue Jays teammates had a lot of fun, learning the batters' names and cheering for them as they rounded the bases and slapping high fives as they crossed home plate.
"I think they took something very special out of that experience," Rob Kinnard said. "They learned a lot more from seeing these other kids experience the pure joy of baseball than from a 90-minute practice. Hopefully it's something they'll keep with them for a long time."
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 June 7, 2008Green Bay Press Gazette Link to Opening Day Photo Gallery: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20080607&Category=GPG01&ArtNo=806070804&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=7June 7, 2008Green Bay Packers Players Participate in Opening Ceremony of Miracle LeagueLink to Green Bay Packers Web Site for Photo Gallery: http://www.packers.com/multimedia/photo_galleries/2008_nongame/2008-06-07/March 9, 2008Green Bay Press-Gazette - Brett Favre Retirement Tribute - The Miracle League of Green Bay is interviewed for its receipt of community and charitable support from the Favre's in this two-section, "Favre the Player", "Favre the Person", special commemorative edition, Green Bay, WI.See "Deanna impacted community with active involvement in charities"Article Link:http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080309/PKR01/803090394/1058/PKRFeaturesDeanna impacted community with active involvement in charities By Sara Boyd sboyd2@greenbaypressgazette.com She's the wife of Green Bay's most famous quarterback, but she's also a force in her own right. Deanna Favre has inspired thousands with her public battle against breast cancer and helped even more through her charitable work. "I'd rather not have the cameras on me," Favre said in an interview late last year when she was promoting her book, "Don't Bet Against Me." But, she acknowledged, "I know that helping people through his (Brett Favre's) notoriety is a gift." And, help she has. Deanna Favre learned she had cancer about three years ago. She subsequently became a spokeswoman for the pink caps campaign that raised more than $1 million to fight breast cancer; more than 200,000 caps were sold. And last fall, her book, a memoir on surviving breast cancer, hit the New York Times Bestseller's list shortly after its release, inspiring thousands of readers along the way. Peggy Anderson, of Bloomer, was one of them. She said reading the book helped her cope with the loss of her sister-in-law, who died of breast cancer last July. "She was an avid Packer fan, considered the angel in the family," she said of her late sister-in-law. Favre's book has also inspired Anderson to create a line of breast cancer themed scrapbooks, with proceeds going to the Deanna Favre HOPE Foundation. Deanna's role in the Green Bay community was also significant. "Deanna was fantastic at being very visible at community events; she had a passion for it," said Mike Daniels, executive vice president of Nicolet Bank and board member of the Favre Fourward Foundation, an organization started by the Favres to raise money for disadvantaged or disabled children in Wisconsin and Mississippi. Brett Favre's retirement announcement last week means the family will spend most of their time in their hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss. — and Green Bay will lose not one, but two, community icons. "The community can't help but suffer," Daniels said. "It will unfortunately have an impact on the community." Mary Ryan, operations manager of the Brown County Library, said Deanna Favre not only helped contribute financially to programs like the Give-A-Kid-A-Book campaign through the Friends of the Library but was active in its growth. Favre was involved in the library program for 11 years, she said. "We will miss her a great deal, if she doesn't stay involved," she said. "She brought the program to a level it had never seen. It was wonderful. She's just one of the nicest people." Deanna Favre also helped make the dreams of a baseball league for kids with disabilities come true, said Paul Liegeois, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of Green Bay. "Deanna and Brett Favre both … were very instrumental in helping us exceed our expectations," he said. "Deanna herself was so wonderful." Kelly Mottl, a parent of an autistic son who is a member of the Miracle League, said when Deanna came to the dedication ceremony, she was above and beyond what they expected. "I couldn't believe how long she stayed, even after her guard-type person tried to get her to go," she said, adding Favre stayed even after it started raining. "I really was impressed with how giving Deanna was of her own time in the lousy weather." The Favres contributed $100,000 to the Miracle League — with part of it coming from their personal funds — allowing the group to build a concession stand and restroom area, Liegeois said. "I was personally humbled," he said. "I was flattered to know they would be involved in something like that, and help see my dream project come to fruition."
Hopefully Favre will remain active in the community and continue the great impact she has made on the residents of the Greater Green Bay area, he said. It's a hope Favre has as well, she said at a Thursday morning press conference where her husband took media questions about his retirement. "It was very rewarding to be a part of this community and be a part of the charity work going on," she said. "The people here are very appreciative, grateful. I hope that it continues, but I don't think it will be the extent it has been." Liegeois said Favre's contributions whether through money or visibility have been extraordinary. She is such a generous person," he said. "People can relate to her real-life situations and then try to give back to the community the way that she does." "The Favres didn't do what they did because they had to, they believed it was the right thing to do. They really believed that giving back to the community where they lived and worked was necessary and important," he said. "It was something they needed to do to make the community a better place." Board approves Optimist Park location; first phase could be completed this summer ALLOUEZ — The Miracle League is one step closer to its goal of building a completely accessible playground for kids with disabilities. The Allouez Village Board voted to accept the concept of the play area to be located at the Allouez Optimists Resch Miracle Field. The board said it would like to look into the costs to install equipment and maintain the playground before giving final approval. Approval also will be conditioned on the specific plans for the park, which will be funded completely through donations to the Miracle League. Concept approval will allow the league to begin fundraising and moving ahead with initial plans, said Steve Vanden Avond, village president. Brad Lange, director of parks, recreation and forestry, said the league is looking at two possible vendors and predicts the final costs could be between $75,000 and $140,000. The play area would replace the current playground but expand it to about twice the size, he said. "The overall concept is to provide a playground to all kids," Lange said. "From those who can run and jump to those who are confined to a wheelchair." So far the group has received a $10,000 donation from Schreiber Foods and has some funds left over from the rubberized turf field project of last summer, said Paul Liegeois, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of Green Bay. The project could be done in phases, he said, with the goal of completing the first phase before June 7 when the 2008 season begins. Trustee Lynn Green said this playground is needed for the area. "I think this would be an awesome addition," she said. "Right now we have equipment just sitting there, not being used … and that's not right." Once plans are more concrete, Lange said, the league hopes to hold informational meetings with neighboring residents to get feedback on what they would like to see.
March 3, 2008
Miracle League aims to build new playground
Group raising funds for handicap accessible play area at Optimist Park,
Green Bay Press-Gazette
By Sara Boyd
sboyd2@greenbaypressgazette.com
ALLOUEZ — As a mother to a child with disabilities, Connie Rissling of Green Bay said finding a playground for her daughter to play on was nearly impossible.
"It's pretty heartbreaking to have to tell your kid no all the time for so many things they can't do," she said.
Rissling, along with the Miracle League, is hoping to change that. In addition to the rubberized turf fields, the group is hoping to build a handicap accessible and rubber-surfaced playground at the Allouez Optimists Resch Miracle Field and Favre Family Miracle Recreation Area.
The Miracle League is a nonprofit baseball program for kids ages 4 to 19 with mental or physical disabilities — no child is turned away.
"To be able to have a park here that they can go play at with their brothers and sisters and be a part of everything all the other kids can do, it's such a blessing," Rissling said.
Rissling's daughter, Megan Vincent — a Miracle League participant — died last year at 10 years old, but Rissling has remained involved in the group's efforts. She said there is a great need for a playground for children with disabilities in the area and it would've been something Megan would have loved.
"Every kid could use it," she said. "You don't have to have disabilities to play on it; they'll think it's great."
Plans for the estimated $100,000 project will be up for approval at Tuesday night's Village Board meeting.
The addition of a playground built for any child would help address the growth of the league and provide a fully accessible play area for the Greater Green Bay area, said Paul Liegeois, founder and executive director of the Miracle League of Green Bay.
"We started in 2006 with four teams and 65 kids," he said. "In 2007 season, we had 120 kids on 10 teams. We had the program grow that significant."
Beyond rubberized surfaces, the playground could include wheelchair accessible swings and wider paths for kids to move around the play area easier, Liegeois said.
"Our goal is to make this baseball themed, a place where the kids could come for a game and then play on the playground area specially adapted for a central theme like that," he said.
The group has begun collecting funds for the purchase of the playground area through donations and through selling commemorative engraved bricks to be added to the Resch Miracle Field, he said.
"This one is commemorative of Megan," Liegeois said as he pointed to a photo of a black granite brick. "That will be the first brick put in there."
If all approvals are made, the league hopes to start construction of the playground by June, he said.
Link:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080303/GPG0101/803030589/1207
December 10, 2007
The Miracle League of Green Bay is highlighted for its receipt of a $100,000 donation from the Favre family in the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year issue honoring Brett Favre for his charitable giving. See interviews with some of our players and parents (pages 49 and 56 of the article).
Reference: December 10, 2007 , Sports Illustrated, Sportsman of the Year issue (Brett Favre on the Cover)
July 28, 2007
"Challenged Kids Play in the Miracle League" - WFRV TV-5 "In Focus" - Feature Story, Sports. Tells of Development of the Miracle League of Green Bay. Documents field construction.
Article Link & Video:
http://www.wfrv.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=27733@wfrv.dayport.com
June 20, 2007
"Good Day Wisconsin"- Featuring Miracle League of Green Bay - WLUK Fox 11 TV, Green Bay
Link to Video Segment from Feature:
http://www.myfoxnewisconsin.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=3542749&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1
June 18, 2007
"Miracle League" Field of Dreams - Radio feature - WTMJ Radio 620 AM, Milwaukee, WI
Link to audio podcast (requires high speed internet):
http://www.620wtmj.com/podcasts/wisconsinmorningnews/8049647.html?video=pop&t=a
June 18, 2007
"New Field Brings New Hope For the Green Bay Miracle League" - WBAY TV2, Green Bay
Link to Article & Video:
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?s=6668806
June 17, 2007
Photo Gallery - "Resch Miracle Field Opener: Saturday,June 16, 2007" - Green Bay Press Gazette
Link to Photo Gallery:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20070616&Category=GPG01&ArtNo=706160804&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=1
May 24, 2007
Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities - Media Award - for TELEVISION Feature Story, "Field of Dreams" the 2006 Opening Game of the Miracle League of Green Bay, WFRV TV5 Green Bay. Ryan Popkey Sports Reporter, receives the award, accompanied by Paul Liegeois, and State Representative, Jim Skaletski. Award given at Concourse Hotel, Madison, WI.
Link to Award Photo:
http://www.wcdd.org/awards/2007/media.cfm
May 19,2007
"Ball Field for disabled takes shape in Allouez"
"Rubberized surface laid at park for Miracle League"
Link to Article:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/GPG0101/705190527/1207/GPGnews
May 10, 2007
"Miracle League's Field of Dreams" WBAY TV-2, ABC, Green Bay, WI
Link to Feature:
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=6498020&nav=menu24_6
April 23, 2007
"Level Playing Field"
"Work underway on Ballpark for Disabled Children" - Green Bay Press Gazette
Link to Article:
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070423/GPG0101/704230515/1978
April 20, 2007 News Release Miracle League Receives $100,000 Grant from Favres and the Fourward Foundation GREEN BAY, WI – Thanks to $100,000 received from the Favres and the Brett Farve Fourward Foundation, the Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay will now be able to proceed beyond its initial hopes of constructing a special rubberized surface baseball field as envisioned for this season. Organizers will construct a needed shelter with bathrooms and concession stand for the program, as well as make handicap access improvements to an existing playground area at Allouez Optimist Park. The naming of the field, Resch Miracle Field, has already been secured by donation received from Dick Resch. Ground was broken Wednesday for the shelter. The group plans to name the special miracle recreation facilities area in honor of the Favres. Dedication is planned for June 16, 2007. “We are extremely grateful to the Favres for this enormous show of support for a special group of children” said Paul Liegeois, Founder/Executive Director of the Miracle League of Green Bay. The Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay is a non-profit organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges, ages 4 to 19, an opportunity to play baseball as a team member, with real major league look-alike uniforms, in an organized league, regardless of their capabilities. It is the first of its kind in our area and serves the children in the Green Bay region and surrounding counties. Sixty five athletes participated on four teams in the groups first year. At least eight teams are planned for 2007. To register, sponsor a child, or tvolunteer as a buddy, visit the web site at http://www.greenbaymiracleleague.com/. Registration deadline is May 11.
March 21, 2007 News Release
Miracle League Registration GREEN BAY, WI. -Registration is now being taken for the Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay. Forms can be found on-line at http://www.greenbaymiracleleague.com/. Deadline is May 11, 2007. Season starts June 16th. The Miracle League is a non-profit organization that provides the opportunity for children with mental or physical challenges, ages 4 to 19, to play baseball on a real team, with real major league look-alike uniforms, in an organized league, regardless of their capabilities. Fee is $45. Scholarships are available. Games will be played at Allouez Optimist Park on the new, special surface, handicap accessible, Resch Miracle Field. Contact Paul Liegeois, Founder/Executive Director, 920-497-2298 or LiegeoisPaul@aol.com March 16, 2007
"Hall of Fame to Dedicate Miracle League Field to Highlight Special Abilities Day, March 24, in Cooperstown"
Link to the article:
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/news/2007/070306.htm
March 5, 2007 News Release
Dick Resch Pledges $100,000 for New Miracle League Field in Allouez GREEN BAY, WIS. – Dick Resch, president and CEO of KI, has generously donated $100,000 to the Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay for construction of the new Resch Miracle Field at Allouez Optimist Park. Founded in 2006, the Miracle League of Green Bay is a non-profit organization that provides the opportunity for children with mental or physical challenges, ages 4 to 19, to play baseball. The new baseball field will include a custom synthetic turf that is safe and easy to navigate for those with disabilities along with handicapped accessible dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains. The special surface fields allow children to play baseball in a real league regardless of their capabilities. “It is personally gratifying for me to support this new field that meets the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families,” said Resch. “I’m proud to be able to contribute to a worthy cause like the Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay that gives hundreds of disabled children something few dreamed possible.” Construction on the field has already begun with the paving completed and the fencing, turf surface and bleachers ready for installation in the spring. The Grand Opening of the new field is set for Saturday, June 16. “Thanks to the generous pledge by Dick Resch, we are able to complete the field construction as planned to be ready for the 2007 season," said Paul Liegeois, founder and executive director of the Allouez Optimists Miracle League of Green Bay. KI manufactures innovative furniture and wall system solutions for college & university, K-12, healthcare, government and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., and operates sales offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique “Market of One” customer service and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit http://www.ki.com/.
July 30, 2006
"Brett Christopherson: Youth League Organizer Hopes Miracles Never Cease" -
Appleton Post CrescentLink to Article:http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060730/APC021102/607300637/1019/APCrattlersUnlike regular baseball teams, the rubber surface allows everyone to play. Everybody hits. Everybody scores, and everybody wins. He loves baseball and knows where he wants the ball.
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