Who We Are
The Michael Mackie Project is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive, adaptive programs and recreational opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs. Our mission is to ensure that every child—regardless of ability—has access to typical childhood experiences in a supportive, empowering, and community-focused environment. Through initiatives like MVP: Michael’s Victory Players, we partner with families, schools, and local organizations to create barrier-free activities that foster belonging, confidence, and joy. We are committed to promoting disability inclusion, adaptive sports, and accessible events.
Meet Michael
Michael Mackie is the joyful spirit and inspiration behind The Michael Mackie Project. Diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome and Autism, Michael navigates the world with courage, curiosity, and a bright smile that lights up every room. He loves being outside, swimming, running freely, and swinging high in the air — just like any other child his age.
But Michael’s journey also revealed how few truly inclusive, adaptive opportunities exist for children with disabilities — especially when it comes to sports, recreation, and social experiences in the Pittsburgh area.
That's why we started The Michael Mackie Project: to create a world where kids like Michael are not just included, but celebrated. Where their victories — big or small — are recognized, supported, and shared with the community.
Michael reminds us every day that all children deserve the chance to play, belong, and thrive. Through his story, we are building a future where inclusion isn't the exception — it's the standard.
Check us out with Variety Charities on TALK Pittsburgh!
Victory Flag Football
An MVP Adaptive Sports Program
Every Player Has a Victory
Get ready to hit the field! Victory Flag Football is a six-week adaptive flag football program from The Michael Mackie Project’s MVP: Michael’s Victory Players, designed for athletes ages 10–16.
The program is led by Coach Mike of Fitness4Focus, bringing his experience in adaptive fitness, athletic development, and working with athletes of varying abilities directly to the football field. Alongside a team of supportive coaches and volunteers, Coach Mike will guide athletes through progressive skill development, agility training, football fundamentals, team activities, and adapted game play.
Victory Flag Football gives athletes the opportunity to experience the excitement of being part of a football team while developing confidence, independence, teamwork, coordination, and athletic skills in a positive and structured environment.
Throughout the six-week season, athletes will work on throwing and catching, running routes, flag pulling, agility, movement, offensive and defensive concepts, and game play. Activities will be adapted as appropriate so athletes can learn, participate, and experience success while continuing to challenge themselves.
Our approach puts the athlete first. Rather than emphasizing traditional officiating or competition, Coach Mike and program volunteers will guide play during games, providing instruction and support in real time. The focus is on participation, learning, skill development, teamwork, and FUN—while still giving athletes the excitement of running plays, making passes, pulling flags, scoring touchdowns, and cheering on their teammates.
Because at Victory Flag Football, winning isn't measured by the scoreboard.
Listen to Long Days, Big Love
Some days are beautiful. Some days are hard. Most are both.
Long Days, Big Love is a podcast about motherhood, marriage, family life, and finding meaning in the middle of ordinary chaos. Hosted with honesty, humor, and heart, each episode explores the reality of raising children, navigating relationships, showing up through challenges, and holding onto joy in the everyday moments.
Because here at The Michael Mackie Project, we know that behind every child’s story is a family story—and community begins with connection.
🎙️ Listen to the latest episode
📲 Follow along for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and conversations that continue beyond the mic
💜 Join the community of parents, caregivers, and people embracing the long days and big love
Listen & Follow:
