The Miracle League of Blair County has scheduled an official kick off meeting for a project aimed at building a baseball field for handicapped children.
The event is scheduled to be held at the Ramada Inn in Altoona on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.
The meeting is open to the general public and government, business, industry and social service officials from throughout Central Pennsylvania, according to a press release.
Among those scheduled to appear is Diane Alford, president of Miracle League Inc., from Conyers, GA. She will provide information on the program from a national perspective.
Joe Reed and members of the board of directors of the Blair County chapter are also scheduled to attend the event.
A previous Daily Herald article described the local project is a joint effort by the Miracle League board and the Kiwanis Club of Eldorado.
“We assure you that this meeting will take less than an hour,” said Reed. “But, we want to let everyone know what the Miracle League is about and how important it can be in the lives of the people we serve.
“Across the country, interest in Miracle League has skyrocketed since the hour-long documentary was aired on HBO several weeks ago,” said Reed. “We are told how fortunate we are to already have a location for our field since that is often a problem others encounter. Now, we need to raise funds to build it.”
Plans call for a field to be built adjacent to the Kiwanis Club’s Teener League field in the 6100 block of California Avenue in Altoona. Although the field will be located there, children from throughout central Pennsylvania, including northern Blair County, will be invited to join Miracle League teams.
According to the press release, during the public meeting the board hopes to receive input about the Miracle League as well as provide information about the program.
“Anyone who may be interested in the project is urged to attend the meeting,” stressed Reed. “We have been using the slogan, ‘they have come-let’s build it’ and we know that is true. The children who will truly benefit from being able to play baseball are already here and it is our goal to have them enjoying the sport as soon as possible.”
Individuals and Kiwanis Clubs from throughout the area have provided the initial support for the project. Colortech of Lebanon has donated printing services and the Ramada Inn is hosting the public meeting.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $400,000.
Reed said of the amount, “that’s a major undertaking, but we feel confident the Miracle League field can become a reality in Blair County. If we all work together, it won’t be long until we can go to the baseball field and watch a miracle happen.”
It was previously reported board members hoped to begin construction in the spring of 2005.
Reed had previously noted the local organization was given 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service, which makes all contributions tax-deductible.
