DAVID A. FARRELL
CARRIERE — Heather Roberts of Carriere has a special needs child, Cobe, age 6, who has been diagnosed with autism.
His brothers participate in regular area sports leagues, and Cobe wanted to play, too, but he couldn’t because of his autism.
His mother shared his disappointment and pain.
“His disappointment tugged at my heart,” she said.
So Heather decided to do something about it.
She went on-line and discovered that in other areas parents had started successful leagues that cater to special needs children, but they were too far away.
The closest was a special needs kids soccer league in D’Iberville.
She decided to start a league of her own for Pearl River County, a t-ball league.
Last year parents with special needs children got together and began a league, The Miracle League. It was small, only 22 participants, at first. “It was only a few so we divided up as best we could and played each other,” she said.
The league’s first season ended with a December banquet and plans are underway to sign up more kids and kick off another season at the end of February.
Parents who have a special needs kid and want him to participate can call Heather Roberts at 601-916-3870.
Everything is free; there is no charge to parents, she says. “The parents of special needs kids have so many expenses associated with their child that we decided to not charge anything. We survive solely on donations and gifts,” Heather said.
“We think the second season will be bigger and better than the first,” she said. “These kids want to participate and compete just as much as healthy kids, but we understand that they have special needs and cannot participate in the regular leagues because of that.
“But there is no reason for them not to be able to play against their peers and form their own league to give them an avenue to express themselves. Their desire and joy playing with other children is just as great and just as big. It is a blessing to watch them and participate with them. It also helps them improve physically and to learn also how to interact with other kids and other families,” she said.
“They, and their parents, find out they are not alone in their struggles,” she added.
“It also helps the parents grow stronger to see their children participating in competitive athletics designed especially for them,” she said. “You learn and realize there is hope.”
The league is a t-ball league. The league plays its games each Thursday night from 5 to 6:30 at Friendship Park in Picayune.
“I think I am doing what I was called to do,” said Heather. “We will continue this effort and we invite others to join in and help us.”
“We hope it continues to grow and expand,” she said.
