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ROTARY CLUBS BUILD FIELD OF DREAMS FOR KIDS WITH DISABILITIES

May 30, 2000

The start of the baseball season this spring included a dream come true for more than 100 kids with disabilities in central Georgia, as the Rotary clubs of Rockdale and Conyers opened a new four-field baseball complex designed especially for them. The $700,000 "Miracle League Field" is the first of what the Rotarians hope will be a series of accessible baseball complexes around the country.

"Through endowments we can help sponsor other fields and provide construction and fundraising support to touch other children's lives the way we have over the past two years," says Rotary member Dean Alford, who headed the project in Georgia. The complex includes three diamonds with grass and one made of cushioned synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other walking-assistance devices. Dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains are all accessible to people with disabilities, and all four fields have lights for night games.

Miracle League Field was built to accommodate the Miracle League, a youth baseball league for children with disabilities founded in 1998. Though it began with a few dozen players, the league started is third season this spring with more than 130. The complex, built with further league expansion in mind, can serve 700 players.

Miracle League games generally follow the same rules as other youth baseball games, but they ensure a greater level of participation and success. Every player gets a hit, gets on base and crosses home plate in each game. The purpose of the league is simple but significant. "The Miracle League gives children with disabilities the opportunity to suit up in a uniform, step up to the plate and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form," the Rotary Clubs said. "It is a dream most of these children would not be able to realize as members of a traditional youth league."

Rotary International, an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and work for goodwill and peace, has more than 1 million members in 162 countries.8