I am a proud (former) lacrosse player. In fact, I love my lacrosse family still! We follow each other on Facebook, and when I feel a bit old I pop in our Senior Year mix CD and feel like I’m 17 again! It’s amazing how uplifting sports can be, but it’s also inspiring how understanding a community can be. This is my second post in the name change department, and I am proud to know this family (even though we have yet to meet in person). Sadly, as I was sitting down to write this piece, an email came through from a young man calling me “retarded” and cursing at me. I have not and will not be responding to him, but it brings me sadness and a deeper understanding as to why many people who have shared their stories with me do not want their names given. I will not be sharing this next family’s name, but I will say that they are supportive in our community and I am SO proud of their accomplishment!
A family in Maryland took to the field this season, as their local boys’ lacrosse team division name “Midget” was one that pulled at their heart strings. As parents to a son who participates in the league and a son who has achondroplasia, the local coach changed the name immediately last season. This year, however, a league-wide decision was made to make a change to “Middies”- which the girls’ division has been named for years!
In an email with one of the family members who helped make the change:
“This was a long process (took about 8 months) before any final decision from the league, but that’s just the red tape. It really didn’t take much on my part and I wanted other parents and little people to know that there are good, open-minded people in the world that are willing to listen and help make changes for the better.”
GO TEAM! I hope you have a wonderful season this year!
Although some sports organizations have made leaps and bounds to make their members more a part of the team, some have not. Many people have contacted me about Pop Warner football teams they’ve gotten little to no response from- many of these families have chosen other sports for their children, both average height and LP, due to the lack of acknowledgement. I am currently focusing on a New England ice hockey team, but anyone who would like to get or offer guidance, please contact me!
If you have a story to share, please email me though the blog. I look forward to sharing and celebrating our successes together!
love what you are doing. I am not a parent to a LP but I find you and your family heartwarming and courageous, doing your part to make this a better (and more kind) world. Keep on keeping on!
That is awesome! You are a true role model for making chance for the negativity!! XO
Courage, open dialogue, understanding, empathy, LOVE… these are ways in which we all wish our children to stand with humanity. Some people just plain know this and teach this. Others have to be taught. The ones who keep teaching are the heroes…