When Ashley Meadows first came up with the Dream League in 2010, she was only a few years into her career in occupational therapy. However, she and a colleague had realized that children with disabilities benefitted from social and physical activities.
“And, at that time, there was only the Special Olympics out here,” Meadows recounted. “From the beginning, we have had overwhelming community support. Everyone comes together to make sure our athletes have a great season.”
On March 25, the Dream League opened for the season. Meadows says baseball fans, young and old alike, see how special it is.
The Dream League is open to any athletes facing disabilities. Although the league initially had a cutoff age, Meadows believes their all-inclusive spirit should not force players to “age out.”
“We used to stop at 21, but that didn’t make sense to me after seeing how much our athletes enjoy playing,” Meadows explained. “Now we start them at age 3. Our oldest player is currently 36.” The Dream League currently has four teams. Two teams comprise the “Littles,” athletes ages 3 to 13.
The other two teams are the “Bigs,” who are 13 and up.
Each player is then accompanied by a “buddy,” a volunteer who helps them round the bases.
“That’s an area where we have had a lot of community support. We have several groups who will tell us at the end of the season that they already know they want to volunteer the next year. These are groups like Brian Pritchard’s softball girls, the Merritt Builders/Key Club, and Elk City Track and Field. There are many more — too many to list. These volunteers really make it fun for our players,” Meadows said.
Meadows also credits support from local businesses and individuals to help finance the league.
“For example, KECO partners with us for a golf tournament, leading to a big donation. We also have businesses like #1 Okie Design give us our hats. JL Shinault’s family asked for donations to be made to the Dream League in lieu of flowers when he passed away last year. I am using that money to buy new bats and will have ‘In Memory of JL Shinault’ engraved upon them. These things come together, so there is never a charge for the players,” she said.
Although games have already started, Meadows says she allows interested players to join up to the final game.
“We will play five games, with the last being on April 22,” Meadows advised.
For more information, visit the Elk City Dream League Facebook page. The Dream League serves all area children with disabilities.
