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The time for “The League of Dreams” is long overdue. Every year parents all around Kern County Sign up their sons and daughters on various sports leagues to chase the dream of being an athlete. The park lights come on and parents drive their children to the game to cheer, encourage, console and build memories. However, there is a group of local children who have never know n the joy of putting on a jersey to go and play for their team. A group of parents who long to cheer for their children as they cross home plate, get their first hit, catch their first “pop fly.” Imagine a league where children with all types of disabilities are placed on teams and finally have the chance to play. From the most severely impaired children to those that are higher functioning, for all of these kids, for just a few hours, they are no longer disabled but are members of a team.
I have decided to start a new sports league in Bakersfield, “The League of Dreams”, because it is time that all children have a chance to be part of a team and to live their dreams. Preparations have already started for this new league. It will be completely different than any other league in town, because our athletes will be different. The official launch will be this April with “The League of Dreams-Baseball Program.” We will conduct “try outs” which means a motor assessment by a Pediatric Physical or Occupational Therapist, to assure each child is placed in the appropriate division. Teams will be assigned, jerseys and hats will be handed out, “angels” (individual player assistants) will be assigned, rules will be explained, and the fun will begin. We plan on having three divisions, which will be further separated by age. The “Rookie” Division will be the athletes with severe functional limitations. “Single A” and “Double A” will be athletes with moderate functional limitations and the “Triple A” and “Majors” will be the higher functioning athletes. I am working with a committee of Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists to assure that each division will be appropriate for the level of the athletes placed there.
We are searching for athletes from 5-18 years of age with a desire to join the team and have some fun. There will be a small entry fee to help cover the cost of the jerseys and hats. We are also looking for Team Sponsors, Corporate Sponsors, and “angels” to help make this an exceptional first year. Please contact us at 377-1700 if you would like to become part of this important league. It is time that every Child ha s the chance to play! |
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