Nearly two dozen athletes took to the baseball diamond at Bennett Stump Field on Oct. 4 for the third Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley Demonstration Game. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Nearly two dozen athletes took to the baseball diamond at Bennett Stump Field on Oct. 4 for the third Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley Demonstration Game, according to a press release from event organizers.

The participation numbers were the largest out of the three Demonstration Games staged by the local Miracle League chapter in just under a year, organizers said.

The athletes competed with the help of baseball buddies. For this game, those were made up of current and former Parkersburg South High School baseball players. Some athletes also participated with help from a parent or family member. South’s coaching staff served as the on-field coaches for the event.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness and funds for the creation of a full-time league in the area to serve individuals with disabilities. Miracle League uses specialized fields with rubber surfaces and painted-on bases to reduce injury risk and increase the ability to participate for those requiring the use of wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices, the release said.

League President Amber Stover said Saturday’s game was another step forward.

“My hope is that through these games, business and community leaders in the area will see how great of a need this area has for activities and events for people with disabilities and will support us through donations of money, ideas or resources.” Stover said. “The fact we keep getting new people involved in each game shows me that the interest exists in making this a full-time thing.”

The Miracle League once again partnered with The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley to host the event. The Arc supported the event through participation of volunteers from its People First of West Virginia organization and with behind-the-scenes event support. UnPuzzled Parents Connect also provided support for the second straight game, offering drinks and snacks at no cost to participants and spectators alike.

The Miracle League organization’s next steps include strategic planning over the fall/winter months to chart a path forward for 2026 and beyond, the release said. More information can be found on the organization’s Facebook page – The Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley. The public is invited to attend all meetings and the organization is seeking to grow the Board of Directors. The next Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley board meeting is Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Emerson Avenue branch of the Parkersburg-Wood County Library.

Miracle League is a national organization that started in Georgia in 2000. There are currently over 350 Miracle League organizations in North America, serving over 450,000 children and adults.

The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is the local branch of a national nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at all stages of life, helping them reach their full potential.