The Miracle League of San Antonio has begun construction of a new sports facility for children and adults with disabilities.
The new facility will be located directly behind Wolff Stadium off U.S. Highway 90. The baseball complex will be equipped with custom synthetic turf, handicapped-accessible dugouts, restrooms and drinking fountains. The facility will open in the Spring of 2008.
The AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic organization of San Antonio-based AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), has contributed a $50,000 grant toward the development of the complex. Other key contributors include the Greehey Foundation and H.E. Butt Grocery Co. (H-E-B).
Miracle League facilities are designed to provide special needs children with a safe venue to enjoy and participate in outdoor sports. Children with physical and learning disabilities are paired with able-bodied volunteers who assist them in batting, catching, throwing and running. Every child gets to cross home plate.
Miracle League officials estimate that more than 26,000 children in South Texas will benefit from the facility, which is designed to help improve their self-esteem, make friends and feel less isolated.
“We at the Miracle League take great pride in allowing every child the chance to play baseball,” says Michael Miller, president of the Miracle League of San Antonio. “Thanks to the generous funding that we’ve received, our dedicated work can continue with the construction of these specially equipped fields, which allow all children the opportunity to become a regular kid, not just a kid with a disability.”
The baseball complex will also have three acres of land equipped for adults in wheelchairs to play sports against other adults who are disabled, including wheelchair rugby, dodge ball and basketball tournaments.
The facility will be made available to wounded soldiers who need a place to rehabilitate after returning from Iraq.
