Wichita, Kansas (KSNW) — Wichita Parks and Recreations Miracle League has been providing inclusive sports for 13 years. This summer, he is expanding his field of activity by teaming up with the swimming club.
Blaine, the son of Shana Appelhanz, joined the Miracle League three years ago and is so excited to start practicing swimming.
“There’s a part of me that’s worried that we won’t be able to send him off,” said Apelhanz.
Blaine is speechless and the league is part of his day-to-day fun, she says. But her first time attending was a bit of a challenge.
“It was sensory overload. There was so much going on and there were hundreds of people around,” Appelhanz said.
Appelhanz continued to take Blaine out, and eventually those hundreds of people became Blaine’s best friends.
“He never had a chance to go out and be successful,” Appelhanz said.
The family has seen Blaine find new ways to express himself on the field.
“He walks around with his hands in the air, like, ‘Look at me. ‘” said Applehanz, who wanted to be more supportive. than a side job. She now works as a coach for Blaine’s team.
Blaine’s older brother, Bryce, also decided to participate as Blaine’s “buddy,” a title for those who support each player.
“I saw him come out with more of that smile instead of not liking it, and he’s learning a lot of new things now, so that was huge,” Bryce said. I was.
Appelhanz says seeing Blaine grow over the years was all she wanted.
“Mom’s heart is full. When you have a child, when you see him dying to be involved, you can’t ask for anything more. It’s such a blessing for us,” she said.
The Miracle League is looking for volunteers and participants for the summer swimming team. Applications are due by June 18th. click here to register.
