Carolina Miracle League

The Carolina Miracle League s a charitable organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters eyes, but for children facing mental and physical challenges, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. The Miracle League gives these children the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form. Miracle Park, located in Boiling Springs, SC, was completed in March, 2007. Our field incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other walking assistance devices, while helping prevent injuries. In other words, it provides a level-playing field where physically and mentally challenged children can hit, run, and catch - just like the best of them. Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play Baseball

Gifted Warriors

The Gifted Warriors Martial Arts program is a charitable organization that helps special needs children improve their coordination, muscle tone, athletic ability and self esteem through instruction in martial arts. Last year, the program served over 80 special needs children in the Boiling Springs and Spartanburg area. Classes are held on Friday evenings at Spartanburg Martial Arts- Boiling Springs Facility. Call Mike Darcy for more information/to register 864-978-9826.

H.a.l.t.e.r. (Handicapped Athletes Learning to Enjoy Riding)

H.A.L.T.E.R. is an affordable, therapeutic horseback-riding program which serves handicapped individuals. We use horses to help people and we serve children and adults, starting at 4 years old, with a documented handicap. Contact us at 864-577-7638 for more information.

Kids Planet

Kids Planet is THE place to go with your children. It has two awesome playstructures, surrounded by wooden picnic areas, pavillions and a paved walking track. The first phase of the park was completed in 1999. The second phase, built for special needs children and their families, was opened in 2001. Every apparatus is 100 percent accessible by children and adults in wheelchairs, and the equipment allows children and adults of all abilities to play side-by-side. This playground continues to draw families and special needs groups from across the Upstate. Kids Planet is located in Century Park, between Hwy 14 and Buncombe Road, in Greer, SC.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

For more information, contact Paula White at 864-439-8703 or email at area12@charter.net .

Trot

Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) is a program service of the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center in Tryon, North Carolina, offering spring and fall classes in horseback riding skills for physically and developmentally challenged adults and children. The program is sanctioned by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and classes are taught by NARHA-certified instructors. For more information, email therapeuticriding@fence.org or call 828-859-9021.