“ Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” – Verna Myers
Mitch Grove has a dream of providing the opportunity to “dance” for special needs children in Jasper County. When a child has special needs, the desire of stepping (or rolling) onto the ball field with their families cheering them on in the stands, and being a part of a team like their friends get to every summer is often just a dream. Mitch wants to change this, and turn those dreams into a reality by starting an inclusive ball league which will play at the Jasper County Boys and Girls Park.
Mitch states, “I have worked with special needs children for a few years now and have absolutely fallen in love with this work. I have seen how important it is for kids with special needs to be part of something meaningful and to be able to get their bodies moving in a meaningful way. I was able to watch the inclusive league in Effingham and when I saw the smiles on all of the players’ faces I knew that I needed to bring this to Jasper County.”
The games will be inclusive by providing the equipment and/or human assistance necessary for each player to be able to succeed. In today’s world, there are many accommodations that can be made to provide equal access to athletics for all children.
When asked what assistance he needs currently, Mitch states”The biggest thing I need help with right now are volunteers to be a support person for the players. This will consist of assisting players with batting, running bases, fielding the ball, and staying in the dugout. My goal is for every player to have a support person.”
At this time donations are not needed, however, if there is a need that arises, we will gladly share that on our social media pages.
“Honestly I am just excited to get this first season started. It is hard to imagine what the future will hold, but I hope this league will be able to grow and continue for many years!” (Mitch)
“When I picture a game I see players having fun with friends, getting exercise, and making memories.”
When we hold our babies in our arms for the first time and dream about their future, we dream of them having fun with friends, being a part of a team, and having the small town childhood we grew up with. For so many of us, that included summers at the ballpark. Recently, we wrote an article about a project of replacing the lights at the ballpark, and we referenced the generations of children who had played on those fields. This year, we have the opportunity to make history in Jasper County with the first inclusive league. Imagine the pride of those who, over the decades, have built the ballpark up if they could see that ALL kids now have the opportunity to learn and share the game they loved.
At the conclusion of our BallPark Lights article we stated, “After all, what better way to shine a light in the world of a child than to brighten the fields of their youth.”
This, right here, is one of the ways you can not only shine a light in the world of a child, but also provide a golden opportunity for a child to experience those same lessons generations of players have learned at the boys and girls park.
If you would like to volunteer you can reach Mitch at 618-804-9789 or email me at Kennethgrove16@gmail.com
Lighting Up the Park: Queen of Hearts and the Jasper County Boys and Girls Park
