(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley is making baseball inclusive for athletes with disabilities for the third time within a year.

At 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at City Park’s Bennett Stump Field, the community and athletes with disabilities are invited for a game of baseball.

There is no age limit for participants and athletes must arrive by 3:30 p.m. on game day.

The Miracle League is partnering with The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley who will support the event with volunteers from the People First of West Virginia.

“While we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far, we need the help of civic groups, foundations and community organizations to help us get across the finish line with our biggest goals,” said Miracle League President Amber Stover.

The Miracle League has become established in the community by participating in events and partnerships like Downtown PKB, Discovery World and the upcoming UnPuzzled Parents Connect Steps for Inclusion event.

The public is invited to attend game day and support the participating athletes. There is no admission fee for attendees but donations are encouraged so the league can continue supporting the community.

All funds acquired from game day and league events go directly to the organization to continue supporting athletes and their families.

“There is a need in this area for activities for individuals with disabilities and we remain committed to creating a space to help make that a reality,” said Stover.

While having fun and supporting athletes with disabilities is the goal, there is also an additional factor to demonstrate the need for a full-time league and venue to host weekly events.

The league is also looking for middle and high school athletes who are available to volunteer at the events and partner with the league athletes. They would assist league athletes who may need extra help or guidance during the game.

Miracle League is a national organization that started in 2000 and has over 350 leagues in North America and serves over 450,000 individuals.

More information about the Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley can be found on their Facebook page.

Inquires about athletes and participation can be emailed to Stover at mov.miracle.league@gmail.com.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com