The Miracle League of Alexandria

The Chamber ALX held its 40 Under 40 awards July 20, celebrating the achievements and community impact of the next generation of Alexandrians, all under the age of 40, for significant accomplishments in their chosen field.

Held at the American Physical Therapy Association Headquarters, the 8th annual event, presented by The Jen Walker Team, recognized the most recent selection of honorees based on professional accomplishments, scholastic achievements, community impact, and personal story. Mayor Justin Wilson was joined by members of City Council, City Manager Jim Parajon and Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker in celebrating the newest honorees. Chamber Chair Nicole McGrew and Micki McNaughton of The Jen Walker Team served as emcees.

The City of Alexandria Commission on Persons With Disabilities, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, presented the 2023 Disability Awareness Awards June 13 at the American Physical Therapy Association headquarters in Potomac Yard.

Honored at the event were Alexandria City High School senior Katherine Radt, Miracle League Board Chair and Volunteer Coordinator Mac Slover, and Cherry Blossom PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

Slover was honored with the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Award, which recognizes an individual who advocates for and contributes to the promotion of equal opportunity for people with disabilities in Alexandria.

“It has been a lifelong passion of mine to work with youth and adults with disabilities,” said Slover, who retired in 2018 following a 30-year career as director of sports for the city’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. “Working with the City of Alexandria gave me that opportunity. But the real heroes are the youth and the adults that I work with every week and the volunteers that come out each week, every year for our Miracle League athletes.”

The Miracle League of Alexandria played in the Inaugural “Night of Miracles” Game with the Miracle League of Prince William County on Saturday, June 3 at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA.

The game featured the combined total of over 40 players from each league who were placed on teams for the game. The night was wonderful as the players, parents, “Angels in the Outfield” and spectators were treated to a wonderful game showcasing the joint efforts the leagues to play the game.

Following the game, everyone was treated to a picnic style dinner. Each of the players and volunteers received awards and certificates for participating.

The plan is to make this an annual game at the end of each spring season in Woodbridge and then an annual game each fall in Alexandria around the 9/11 Anniversary.

A Champion Supporting Champions

May 3, 2023 – by Emily Milton

On Saturday, April 22, ACHS senior Milan Rex was honored for her donation of $1,000 to the Miracle League of Alexandria (MLA).

Rex was chosen as Gatorade Player of the Year, which is an award given to outstanding high school athletes nationwide. With the award, she was able to donate $1,000 to a youth sports organization of her choosing– and she chose The Miracle League. The award comes only weeks after winning the Virginia State Volleyball Championship with her ACHS team.
Volleyball players Rex and Chloe Wilmot and Coach Danielle Thorne pose with the honorary $1000 check. From left to right, Slover, Thorne, Wilmot, and Rex pose with Thorne’s honorary certificate.

The MLA is a non-profit organization begun by community member Bill Rivers and former head of the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Mac Slover. According to their website, the MLA is a group “comprised of private citizens concerned with supporting recreation and sports opportunities for individuals with special needs.” They specialize in providing youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities with the opportunity to play baseball, where every hit is a home run, and everybody has a good time.

With Rex’s generous donation, Rivers and Slover wanted to recognize her at one of the Miracle League’s games. Rex, teammate and fellow State Championship winner Chloe Wilmot, and ACHS Volleyball coach Danielle Thorne attended the Earth Day game. Instead of playing on their usual site of the Kelley Cares Miracle Field, the game was played indoors at the Nannie J. Lee Recreational Center due to weather conditions.

Both Rex and Thorne received certificates and MLA baseball jerseys, and a ceremonial check for Rex’s donation. In addition, Rex’s name was added on the Kelley Cares Field Memorial Wall. When presenting Thorne’s certificate, Slover highlighted her volunteer work with the recreation department when she was younger, and her recognition as Coach of the Year for 2022. Slover also stated his “hope for the future” because of young people and players like Rex who contribute so much to their community.

After the ceremony, Rex, Thorne, and Wilmot all participated as volunteer “helpers” with the adult members of the League, finishing the day after two innings and joining in on the tradition of singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at the end.               

Rivers introduces Rex and Coach Thorne to players and their families. With her donation, Rex was also honored with a ceremonial baseball on the memorial wall outside the field. Rex assists fellow ACHS student Tucker Riley in moving to the bases.