LINCOLN COUNTY – In a society filled with various youth athletic leagues, local parents noticed a significant void for children with disabilities.

“There was nothing at that time providing a safe place for these children to participate, so we started Wonder League,” explained Rachel Dunard.

Wonder League is an all-inclusive organization dedicated to providing a safe place for children with disabilities to participate in sports and other activities. They offer baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and more, to more than 40 children in and around Lincoln County.

Dunard, the Wonder League President, along with Rick Kavanaugh, established the organization in 2018, starting with a handful of children playing T-ball each spring.

Due to the growing interest, in 2024, Dunard expanded the Wonder League board, adding four additional volunteer board members who went to planning for its future. Now, offering multiple activities throughout the year, there are more than 40 athletes for each session.

“I could not do this without community support, volunteers, our incredible board, especially Lacy Gambill,” Dunard said. “Lacy keeps us organized and on task, she does so much.”

Wonder League focuses not only on the children, but the family as well, relying on sponsors so that families do not incur fees. Volunteers engage with the children so parents can relax, cheer, and watch their child in action.

“They have enough medical expenses,” Dunard said. “We want the families to not have that worry, just be present, sit in the stands and enjoy watching their athlete participate.”

And the parents do appreciate it.

“Seeing these kids get this opportunity is so cool,” said Amanda Hart, a mother of a Wonder League athlete. “I have gotten to see my son grow over the last six years thanks to this opportunity, where he otherwise may not.”

Wonder League is about more than providing an area for kids to run around. They work to engage with each child, creating drills that encourage both individual and team building.

“Grace feels like part of a team now, it’s great to see her shine,” Alexis Greco shared about her daughter. “She is a very active girl, so it was nice to find something for all abilities, both mental and physical.”

Wonder League continues to set goals and make additions for future growth.

“I want to continue to grow this organization and welcome more athletes,” said Wonder Leagues organizer, Lacy Gambill. “Offering more events for the families and also a plan to incorporate life sports as our athletes get older.”

Wonder League has a Facebook page where parents can contact them privately with questions.

“It is free, which allows you to bring your child and see if it’s a good fit for your family,” said Greco. “It is a team of people that want the same thing for our kids.”