Exchange Club

This Monday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Dothan chapter of the National Exchange Club to speak about the Miracle League. The Exchange Club is a national service organization whose goal is to “exchange” ideas about making communities better. Together, we have decided to open a Dothan chapter of the Special Friends Exchange Club to empower special citizens to be on the giving end of service, rather than the receiving end.

To raise money for future projects, we will hold a gift wrapping fundraiser near Christmas. Our special friends will learn how to wrap presents prior to the fundraiser, so every part of the club with be led by them. The Club will have committee members and choose their own service projects. I look forward to getting the club started and sharing about this wonderful endeavor with you all!

Caroline Crowley

Plans for 2012

The most common question I have been asked since returning to my hometown of Dothan, Alabama is: Has it finally set in that you won yet? Actually, I think it has! The past few weeks have been a whirl-wind of parties, photo shoots, and LOTS of unpacking. Now that I am finally settled back in, it’s time to get to “work”!

My plans as Miss Teen International 2012 are to continue my work with the Miracle League and Shane’s Inspiration. My big goal for the year is to create a promotional video for the Miracle League to show at speaking engagements and to send to news stations so that more children and families can learn about and enjoy the benefits of playing baseball! I hope to involve players, buddies, volunteers, directors, and family members so that I can capture the perspective of everyone involved in the program. I was also recently invited to visit the Miracle League National Headquarters, which I am extremely excited about! I will, of course, still continue to attend monthly Play Club sessions on Dothan’s Shane’s Inspiration playground. Also, baseball season begins in the spring, which means that Miracle League sign-ups are just around the corner. I encourage you all to find a Miracle League program or Shane’s Inspiration playground to become involved with. It has been, by far, the most rewarding experience of my life!

Also, I cannot wait to begin working with my local chapter of Go Red! Although the International system’s partnership with the American Heart Association focuses primarily on heart health for women, everyone is affected by heart disease! Over fifty percent of children with Down’s syndrome are born with various types of congenital heart disease.

While I am extremely excited about being able to wear the International crown, I am most excited about all of the doors my title has already opened for me! Thank you all for the support you have already shown me!

Love always,

Caroline Crowley

A World Without Boundaries

The Miracle League and Shane’s Inspiration playgrounds were founded based on the belief that NO child should be deprived of playtime, regardless of their ability level. Research shows that social and physical development begin where most would least expect it…having fun with fellow peers! As a normally developing child, I took for granted the fact that I could participate in t-ball and slide down the “big slide” at school. Little did I know, some children were being deprived of their right to play.

“Angels in the Outfield: Dreams really DO come true!” This is the motto of the Miracle League Organization. Our goal: to realize every child’s dream of becoming a star on the baseball field, whether they have a mental or physical disability. The Miracle League is comprised of baseball teams of every age level, ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. Each player receives a hat and jersey, with the number of their choice. The field and playing surface is walker and wheelchair-friendly, complete with a jumbo-tron that displays each player’s photo when it is their turn to bat! Also, each player is assigned a buddy that assists them and cheers them on throughout the season. You must be 13 years of age to be a Miracle League buddy, so that safety for the players and buddies can be ensured. Today, there are over 250 Miracle League organizations world-wide, which means that over 200,000 children are able to enjoy America’s favorite pastime! To find a Miracle League organization near you, visit www.miracleleague.com.

Rules of the Game:

• Every player bats once each inning

• All players are safe on the bases

• Every player scores a run before the inning is over (last one up gets a home run)

• Community children and volunteers serve as ‘buddies’ to assist the players

• Each team and each player wins every game

Shane’s Inspiration’s mission is to foster a bias-free world for children with special needs. This begins with all-inclusive playgrounds and “boundless play”. Each playground has a different theme, and every playground is unique! Every inch of the playground is handicap accessible…even the slides! When a child with special needs plays with a normally developing peer, they will not only reach their highest potential but also become more accepted among their peers because of the special relationships formed on the playground. Every play session helps not only develop social and physical skills, but most importantly, it builds self-esteem and independence. When we enter the playground, stereotyping and boundaries end and friendships begin! To find a playground near you, visit www.shanesinspiration.org.

Caroline Crowley