Play ball!

Helping the Miracle League and Buddy Ball League provide sporting opportunities for athletes who need extra help

2024 April

PLAY BALL! Those two words will get any baseball fan excited about watching a great game.

Sports are an important part of our lives, whether as an athlete, a spectator, or even a parent cheering on their kids at a Little League game.

In 2015, LATLC introduced a Youth Sports program where we provide a $500 annual financial grant and banner to groups that qualify. While the program started with school athletic programs and Little Leagues, today it includes everything from soccer to rugby to dance and cheer, and we have even supported synchronized swimming teams. If you know any neighborhood leagues – go to LATLC’s website for more information and applications. This is a year-round opportunity.

But for many kids, sports can be a challenge, or even an impossibility. Los Angeles and Orange County Trial Lawyers’ Charities believe that physical activity is important for everyone, regardless of their special abilities or circumstances.

The Miracle League of Orange County

The Miracle League of Orange County, one of OCTLC’s partner charities, is a non-profit organization that provides children with developmental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league.

As explained on their website, “There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters’ eyes, but for the children facing physical challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. The Miracle League of Orange County gives these children the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form.”

Heartwell’s Buddy League and the Challenger League

LATLC has been a major sponsor of Heartwell’s Buddy Ball League in Long Beach since 2016. A “buddy” helps the players hit the ball and go around the bases during these games. We provide equipment or uniforms each year and one of our favorite volunteer events is to cheer the Buddy Ball players during Opening Day ceremonies. We just added a second, similar organization – the Challenger League in Woodland Hills.

But these athletic organizations for children with physical or intellectual challenges are not limited to baseball. LATLC provides grants to VIP soccer leagues, and even Abilities First’s outdoor camp. OCTLC supports Serving Advantage, a youth-led nonprofit organization and growing tennis program created for children with intellectual or developmental differences who are ages 8-17.

The Great Tryke Giveaway

And, of course, we have the joint Great Tryke Giveaway!

OCTLC and LATLC provide children with special needs their own adaptive tricycles through SoCal Trykers. This incredible organization was founded by occupational and physical therapists to promote independence, social interaction, mobility, strength, self-esteem, and quality of life. We celebrate the presentations with a parade, games, and activities.

This year, we will be sharing dozens of bicycles with these wonderful families on July 27 in Long Beach. Be sure to join us. While the children are getting last-minute adjustments to their new bikes, our volunteers will be assembling 1,000 toiletry kits for local organizations. LATLC is donating these kits to U.S. Vets and OCTLC will share theirs with Colette’s Childrens Home, United Way and Micah’s Way.

As you enjoy your own outdoor activities this spring, we hope you will PLAY BALL with our organizations and support Los Angeles and Orange County Trial Lawyers’ Charities. Your support – financial or volunteer – makes YOU a winner!