VALDOSTA —  The Miracle League of Valdosta has been named the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce’s Leading Business of the Week in recognition of its dedication to providing accessible sports opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. This honor comes as the Miracle League celebrates its 10-year journey, beginning with its vision in 2004 and culminating in the opening of the Miracle Field Complex at Freedom Park in 2019.

The Miracle League of Valdosta was founded by Andy Gibbs, who spent over a decade advocating for the need for accessible sports programs. In March 2014, the Miracle League officially formed a partnership with the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority to turn the vision into a reality. With the help of local donors, volunteers, and community support, the team raised over $1.8 million to build the nation’s largest accessible Miracle Field, which features fully accessible dugouts, bathrooms, concession stands, and a boundless playground.

The Miracle League of Valdosta offers baseball and other recreational opportunities to athletes of all abilities, paired with volunteer “buddies” to assist them on the field. In addition to the league’s core programs, the Miracle League hosts several events and fundraising activities throughout the year, such as the Annual Denims and Diamonds event and the Ping Pong Race hosted by Wild Adventures.

The Miracle League plans to expand its programs by potentially adding a soccer season, along with continuing facility upgrades, including the addition of sunshades at the field.

For more information about the Miracle League of Valdosta, visit www.miracleleaguevaldosta.org.