truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA January 10, 2025
Melissa Anthony, the Chief Empowerment Officer of What Just Happened Sports, joined forces with Michael Haynes, the Executive Director of the North Metro Miracle League (NMML) and former Atlanta Falcon and New Orleans Saint, to host The Playbook: Ladies Learn All Things Football (Guys are always welcome). This unique initiative highlights the intersection of football, empowerment, and community-building, focusing on enhancing sports knowledge and fostering inclusivity.
The Mission Behind NMML
The North Metro Miracle League provides comprehensive programming for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, promoting healthier lifestyles, social competence, and emotional well-being. Recognizing that disabilities impact entire families, NMML offers proactive support to parents and siblings alike.
NMML Programs:
- Family Support: NMML maintains an extensive database of resources, including access to professionals such as doctors, lawyers, dentists, and therapists. Families can also find guidance on navigating complex systems like Medicare, SSDI, Medicaid, and Peach Care applications.
- Social Events and Field Trips: Participants engage in experiential learning through visits to sports and entertainment venues. These outings introduce participants to vibrant environments of crowds and noise, supported by a trusted network of family, teammates, and buddies.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers play a vital role, from assisting on the field as buddies and coaches to contributing behind the scenes as staff and board members. Those interested in volunteering can find more information and register online at NMML’s website.
NMML employs a buddy system to ensure participants of all ages and abilities, ranging from four to 92 years old, are paired with able-bodied companions. In 2024 alone, the league supported more than 135 families through programs like summer and fall softball leagues and trips to see Atlanta’s professional sports teams, including the Braves, Falcons, and Gladiators.
A Legacy of Leadership
Founded by John McLaughlin, NMML has touched hundreds of families over the years. Since becoming Executive Director in 2022, Michael Haynes has continued this legacy of community service. A former NFL player, Haynes’ illustrious football career includes being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1988 NFL Draft and playing with the team from 1988 to 1993 and again in 1997. Over his career, Haynes recorded 428 receptions, 6,588 yards, and 47 touchdowns, with a standout season in 1991 where he achieved 1,122 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Partnering with What Just Happened Sports
Melissa Anthony founded What Just Happened Sports in 2014 to empower women to engage with sports confidently. Her organization emphasizes the importance of sports knowledge in personal and professional settings, hosting events and training that feature professional athletes and sports personalities.
“Understanding sports can open doors to professional relationships and boardroom success,” Anthony explained. “Through our programs, we ensure women are always ‘in the game.’”
The Playbook: Ladies Learn All Things Football
The collaboration between Anthony and Haynes, The Playbook: Ladies Learn All Things Football, embodies their shared commitment to empowerment and education. The event introduces women (and men) to the nuances of football, enhancing their ability to participate in conversations about the sport and fostering a deeper appreciation for the game. Click here to register.
As Anthony and Haynes continue their efforts to merge sports and community empowerment, initiatives like The Playbook and NMML’s programs demonstrate the transformative power of inclusivity, education, and teamwork. Whether through the cheers of a Falcons game or the enthusiastic support of a buddy system, their impact reverberates across Atlanta and beyond.
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