Inclusive Baseball League Launched for SouthCoast Children with Disabilities

In a heartwarming initiative, Hannah Lemieux, the owner of Grandma’s Donuts in New Bedford, has joined forces with Whaling City Youth Baseball to take on a special project: sponsoring a baseball team tailored to children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

This collaborative effort aims to provide a platform where every child, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joy of playing baseball.

This effort began with Lemieux's experience as a mother. Her child prompted her to recognize a gap in recreational opportunities for children with disabilities.

"My son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and realized there is nothing out there for children with disabilities," Lemieux shared, "As a mother with a child who has autism, I simply want him to be able to enjoy and have the same experiences and opportunities as any other kid."

This unique baseball league is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 16, where inclusivity reigns supreme, ensuring that no child is left behind. Regardless of their abilities, every participant is encouraged to take to the field, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the young players.

Moreover, the success of this new project relies greatly on the support of volunteers. Whether it's assisting children in maneuvering wheelchairs around the bases, providing guidance on holding a bat, or simply serving as mentors, volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the league.

Participation in this inclusive baseball league comes at a nominal cost of $25 per player, which covers registration fees, a personalized team jersey, and an award at the end of the season. Games are scheduled to take place on Sunday afternoons starting in June at Brooklawn Park in New Bedford.

Enrollment already commenced on Monday, March 25th. However, if you missed the enrollment date, interested individuals can still visit Grandma’s Donuts at 1972 Acushnet Avenue to acquire the necessary paperwork and sign up. For any inquiries or assistance, Lemieux can be reached directly at 508-974-5910.

As anticipation builds for the inclusive baseball league, Lemieux expressed her eagerness to witness the children flourish on the field stating "We cannot wait to see all these beautiful children play their hearts out."

At the end of the day, initiatives like Grandma’s Donuts and Whaling City Youth Baseball’s collaborative effort exemplify the power of community-driven efforts in creating an environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and shine.