Handicapped Accessible Playground for Miracle League
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WGRZ -TV – Channel 2 News
Grand Island, NY – Some dedicated folks on Grand Island are determined to turn a vision into the real life Miracle League Complex for developmentally disabled children.
Attractions ranging from skydivers to games of chance to horse drawn wagons brought many on Saturday to the fundraiser carnival for the Miracle League of Grand Island. That’s an organization of Buffalo Sabres alumni, civic groups, contractors, and many other volunteers who want kids with developmental disabilities to have the chance to play just like other kids.
Their specially crafted baseball field was built in recent years and it’s a winner. That’s why Town Supervisor Mary Cooke cheerfully agreed to take the plunge in the dunk tank. As she later explained “It’s an awesome regional asset and we’re so glad to have it on Grand Island. People come from all over Western New York and elsewhere to play here and it gives these children a chance to play just like a normal baseball field.”
Now there is another goal: to build a handicapped accessible playground next to the field. 23 year old Michael Dinsmore, who we’ve met before as a young man has this perspective “I think it’s a great idea to give kids like me a place to play. It’s a wonderful idea.” Michael’s mother Judy adds “It has swings that allow kids in wheelchairs to actually swing. It’s a wonderful dream.” The “dream-makers” say they’re a good way to covering the 126- thousand dollar cost with an optimistic fall opening date for the playground…now they’re trying to match a 25 – thousand dollar grant. As Miracle League organizer Drexelius says “We’re a little short of funds but we’re hoping to make our match and keep our commitment to these kids.”
http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/222751/13/Handicapped-Accessible-Playground-for-Miracle-League
Posted by Tim Shea on Saturday, August 10th, 2013 @ 9:40PM
Categories: News