The City of Ridgeland issued the following press release:
Groundbreaking for Miracle League Field at Wolcott Park
The new field will provide central Mississippi’s first fully accessible baseball field specifically designed
for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities.
(Ridgeland, Mississippi) – The Miracle League of Central Mississippi,
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the City of Ridgeland will be
hosting a groundbreaking event for the Miracle League Field at Wolcott
Park. This first of its kind field in central Mississippi will provide
youth with disabilities a safe and barrier-free environment to
participate in America’s favorite pastime. The media is requested to
attend this significant event in the history of Ridgeland and Madison
County.
The
field will feature larger dugouts and a completely flat, latex-free
rubberized surface that allows players using wheelchairs and other
assistance devices to glide unrestricted and safely to their positions.
During games, a “buddy” system will be used – pairing each player with
an able-bodied peer to help with hitting, running the bases and
fielding. Players will benefit from being part of a team, building new
friendships, and engaging in teamwork and physical activity.
The Miracle League of Central Mississippi was founded in 2014 by Joseph Voynik, who was 12 years old at the time. Joseph was inspired to volunteer as a buddy when he learned about the Pirates Charities’ Miracle League Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Unable to find a Miracle League Field in our area, it became Joseph’s
goal to give local children with disabilities their very own place to
play baseball – a sport he loves. There are more than 270 Miracle League
Fields nationwide and in Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia.
In 2015, the Miracle League of Central Mississippi approached the City of Ridgeland with plans for constructing the accessible baseball field at a Ridgeland facility. The
City of Ridgeland contributed an existing field prominently located in a
quad with three other conventional baseball fields. That field, located
at Wolcott Park, will be renovated by the Miracle League of Central Mississippi.
The Miracle League of Central Mississippi has raised more than 80 percent of the $450,000 project budget. The field is expected to be completed in 2017. For more information, including naming and sponsor opportunities, please visit www.miracleleagueofcentralms.
What: Groundbreaking ceremony for Miracle League Field at Wolcott Park
When: Monday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m.
Where: Wolcott Park, 349 McClellan Drive on Field #2
Opportunities for video footage, interviews and photos will be available to the media.
4 comments:
This is great!
so happy to hear this!
The young man behind this idea is the kind of leadership we need for the future
They got one of these in southaven. They are great.
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