The Miracle League

When I was growing up, sports were a huge part of my life.

Baseball and basketball were my "go-to" sports. I played basketball often with my friends but baseball came much more naturally to me.

It wasn't until recently that I really realized the impact that sports had on my life.

They taught me the importance of team.

They taught me the impact hard work, dedication and commitment could have.

They taught me how to focus.

They taught me how to win and, perhaps more importantly, how to lose.

They showed me the power in having just one person believe in you.

In looking back on my childhood, I can't remember one game that my father missed. If he wasn't coaching the team I was on, he was in the bleachers cheering my team and I on and complaining about all the bad calls the umpires and refs were making.

The crazy part... He made it to all my brother's and sister's games as well.

Some of my greatest childhood memories were on the baseball field and basketball court.

​It was not until I spoke with David Gourlay that all these memories started flowing back to me and I realized how much of an impact sports had on me. 

It was not until that conversation that I also realized how fortunate I was. Not only to have a father like I do but to also have the ability to play sports the way I do. To sprint, throw, catch, hit, dribble, shoot, block, slide, jump, deak and everything else that's required to play these sports.

I'm embarrassed to say that I took all of these things for granted.

Luckily, there are people like David in this world who have not only realized this but have decided to do something about it.

Thanks to David and The Miracle League of Ottawa, Kids who are far less fortunate than I was now have the ability to create some of those memories I have. They can cheer their team on from the dugout, hit the ball, round the bases and celebrate their wins.

Something that was seemingly impossible is now possible thanks to some amazing human beings. It's no wonder they call it The Miracle League.

I invite you to listen to David's story and hope that it inspires you to take action on your dreams.