Friday, November 19, 2010
Publication: Bucks Local News
As part of its mission to assist those most in need, Foundations Community Partnership has awarded a $10,000 Capital Grant to Miracle League of Northampton Township, which provides sports opportunities to special needs children with autism, Down’s syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Jacobsen Syndrome, as well as other physical and mental impairments.
Miracle League will use the grant to build a specialized sports field for children with disabilities in Municipal Park, Hatboro and Tanyard roads in Churchville. The new “Miracle Field” will be surfaced with a rubberized playing surface that will he accessible for wheelchair and walker use.
The addition of a dedicated field for special needs athletes will increase field access and allow the Miracle League to run leagues for individuals to play a variety of sports. The new field will be available to local groups such as Special Olympics, Woods School, Variety Club, the Paralympics, as well as various sight-impaired organizations.
“Foundations Community Partnership has been incredibly supportive to the special needs community,” said Deborah L. Katz, vice president, Miracle League. “Their grant will help special needs athletes have full access to their own sports field. Foundations understands and has embraced our cause, which is to give our athletes the opportunity to compete, be successful and gain self esteem.”
“We support Miracle League in their goal to provide opportunities for Bucks County special needs children and adults to play sports, regardless of their abilities,” said Ron Bernstein, executive director, Foundations Community Partnership. “Physically and mentally challenged people in Bucks County will have access to a field without physical barriers which will enable special need athletes to enjoy a more active lifestyle.”
Foundations Community Partnership’s Capital Improvement Grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis. Capital grants are awarded for capital campaigns, including structural improvements, new buildings, additions or renovations.
Foundations Community Partnership is a private non-profit operating foundation that supports behavioral health education and research, provides grants for non-profit organizations, awards scholarships to Bucks County high school seniors, subsidizes service learning internships for college students and underwrites community education programs. To learn more about FCP and its mission, visit www.fcpartnership.org or contact them at 267-247-5584.
Miracle League of Northampton Township is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the opportunity for individuals with physical and mental handicaps to play sports. This program allows people with impairments that preclude them from becoming involved in normal sports outlets in the community, a chance to participate in these activities. Interested parties may request information through their website- www.miracleleaguenhpa.org