Kamren and Aryaunna Coffey rush to first base at the Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley Demonstration Game in Parkersburg City Park. The Miracle League is an organization striving to make baseball inclusive for those with disabilities. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

PARKERSBURG — Baseball is for everyone — that’s the heart behind the Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley, an inclusive baseball program that gives individuals with disabilities the chance to play the game they love in a safe, accessible environment.

Founded to eliminate barriers to participation, the Miracle League hosts demonstration games on a turf field, but organizers are striving for a more permanent and ideal solution: a fully accessible poured rubber surface that removes concerns about grass, mud, raised bases and mounds.

“The Miracle League is a barrier-free baseball league for individuals with disabilities,” said Amber Stover, one of the league’s organizers. “We’re playing on turf right now, but an ideal Miracle League field is poured rubber. So it makes it so easy for kids with walkers or wheelchairs or crutches, they don’t have to worry about anything that could hinder their movement.”

Stover emphasized the importance of accessibility in providing a truly inclusive experience. While the league is still in its early stages, its leaders have a vision for a full-fledged season, complete with teams, sponsors and schedules, much like any traditional baseball league.

“For the demonstration games, it’s not as planned … we just have a game here or there whenever we can,” Stover said. “But with a full league, we’d have designated teams, sponsors and a full six- to eight-week season.”

The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley recently received its official 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation, allowing the group to expand fundraising efforts and accept larger sponsorships. “We’re just getting our sponsorship levels worked out so we can start getting more support from the community,” Stover said.

The league serves children from around age 4 or 5 through teenagers, though there are no age limits. As interest grows, Stover said they hope to offer both youth and adult divisions to meet the needs of all participants.

For those interested in volunteering, donating, or signing up to play, the Miracle League can be contacted via email at mov.miracle.league@gmail.com, or through their Facebook page: The Miracle League of the Mid Ohio Valley.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.