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Thursday, March 01, 2007

“The Miracle League” Coming To Bay County

PANAMA CITY BEACH – For most kids, playing a game of baseball is no big deal.  Grab a bat, a ball, and a couple of friends and you’re ready to go.

For the 5,000 children in Bay County who suffer from physical or mental disabilities that task is much more difficult.  To help the cause, the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach is bringing The Miracle League program to Bay County.

“We cannot cure the medical issues that life has dealt our children with disabilities,” Jim Barr, President of the Board of Directors of the Miracle League of the Emerald Coast said.  “What we can do is provide them an opportunity to experience joy of playing baseball.”

The Miracle League got its start in 1998 by the Rockdale County (Conyers, GA) Youth Baseball Association.  Today, there are 154 Miracle League Organizations across the United States.

Frank Brown Park has been designated for the development of a facility that would accommodate play for the league.

The game is played on a special custom-designed field with cushioned synthetic rubber turf and wheelchair accessible dugouts.

The Emerald Coast Miracle League’s goal is to raise $300,000 through its capital campaign.

“It’s not about giving $100,000, it’s not about giving $50,000.  It might be about giving $5 or $10,” Diane Alford, Miracle League National Executive Director said.  “But we need every citizen of this community to be involved.”

Barr expects the league to be operational by the early fall of 2007.

If you’re interested in donating, contact Mr. Barr at (850) 814-8586.

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