On Saturday, Grant Middle School became the venue for a new community initiative aimed at individuals in recovery. Over 50 players from the Vibe Treatment Center and Perfectly Imperfect NM gathered to inaugurate the Recovery Softball League, a sober‑focused recreation program supported by the New Mexico Department of Health, Housing & Homelessness.
Local leaders praise the effort
Angela Lucero, executive director of the Vibe Treatment Center, told KOAT 7 that the league offers “an amazing opportunity for individuals who are in recovery to work their way back into community events and show that they can do that in a 100 percent sober way.” She highlighted the importance of structured, drug‑free activities in reinforcing long‑term sobriety.
Daniel Morris, an administrative assistant with Perfectly Imperfect NM and founder of the league, described the participants as “absolutely thrilled.” He added that joining leagues like this is “exactly what the doctor ordered,” emphasizing the role of community sports in helping people overcome addiction and manage mental‑health challenges.
Seeking city backing for expansion
Morris outlined his next steps: securing municipal funding to broaden the league’s reach beyond Albuquerque into surrounding counties. He believes that city support would enable more individuals in recovery to benefit from organized, sober recreation, reducing reliance on welfare programs and fostering stronger neighborhood ties.
Gilbert Ramírez, director of Health, Housing & Homelessness, addressed the crowd and expressed pride in the event, noting that the department’s involvement underscores a commitment to holistic recovery solutions that combine treatment with community engagement.
Why sober sports matter
Experts in addiction treatment consistently point to the value of structured, alcohol‑ and drug‑free activities. Participation in team sports can improve self‑esteem, provide a sense of belonging, and create healthy routines that replace previous patterns of substance use. The league’s inaugural game serves as a tangible example of these principles in action.
Local families have also voiced support, recognizing that safe, supervised environments help their loved ones maintain sobriety while rebuilding social connections. The league’s organizers hope that the model can be replicated in other New Mexico communities, offering a template for public‑private partnerships that address both health and community well‑being.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, the league plans to host regular games, skill clinics, and community events that further integrate recovery participants into the broader Albuquerque fabric. Organizers are also exploring collaborations with local businesses for sponsorships and with schools for facility use, aiming to create a sustainable, community‑driven program.
For now, the inaugural match stands as a hopeful sign that recovery can be celebrated publicly, that sober recreation can thrive, and that city leaders are willing to consider funding avenues that support such initiatives.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
