Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanette Borbolla.
Hi Jeanette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce you to the Central Florida Miracle League. We are a partner of The Miracle League that was founded in Conyers, GA. Our independently run league is one of over 320 leagues that are located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and many more being built around the globe. The Central Florida Miracle League was the first league built in Florida in 2005. We are currently located in Trotters Park, Orlando on Lee Road. The Miracle League is a baseball league that removes the barriers that keeps individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime. Our field is made from a customized synthetic rubber that allows players with wheelchairs or other mobility devices while helping to prevent injuries and allows them to be able to play alongside their peers. The Miracle League is more than a baseball field, we are a team, we provide the space for them to overcome barriers, build their self-esteem, gives an opportunity to feel included and to be a part of something that normally they would be told that they can’t.
We have been playing on that field for over 18 years and have served more than 200 players over the years. The CFL Miracle League services children ages 5 and up. We are one of very few special needs baseball leagues that allow adults to play on our league. This field has been the place for so many people. We have players from group homes, that this is their only type of outdoor activity or exercise, players who this is Their Field, where they come to see friends, to have fun and be part of a team. It’s a place for parents, caregivers to take a break outside of the doctor office, therapy centers or school. They get to sit down for 45mins to just watch them have fun. This is a field where volunteers from the community come to complete community service hours for high schoolers, universities to give back to the community, team building events for companies and a place where families come to serve in their community.
We have the ability to serve so many more individuals that have no place to have fun, but we are in a current state that we need to replace our field. It has excessive wear and tear of the field due to usage and weather elements. It is an 18-year-old field that has passed its lifespan of 12 years. It is way past the time of repair, we have about 2 more years before it is totally unplayable. Our current location also has no restroom facilities for the players.
We have been campaigning to raise funds like Car Shows, partnering with high schools to do fundraising, and partnering with the Rotary Club of Avalon Park.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trying to maintain the league along with fundraising has been difficult due to lack of volunteer assistance. Trying to get new players to join our league is a consistent process due to either organization or group or schools aren’t familiar with us. It is a process on getting our service out into the community. Maintaining players is difficult also with the way the field is currently, many people may not see the value. Getting funding, is our current focus along with increasing our registration.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our league specializes in offering this under served community of individuals with special needs the opportunity to be a part of something, part of a team, for opening opportunities for them to feel as part of a community. Where they can make friends and look forward to going and playing baseball every weekend. We are the only organization in the area with a specialized field for ages 5 and up to the age that they desire to play baseball.
We are proud to still be an active league after 18 years and continuing to grow and continue playing baseball.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
That has actually be a difficult situation for us. Most people want to help, but very few people stick around or come back around to see the difference that they can make.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cflmiracleleague.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cflmiracleleague/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cflmiracleleague/
