Monday, January 19, 2009
Publication: Bucks County Courier Times
NORTHAMPTON
BY DANNY ADLER
STAFF WRITER
When Evelyn Weiner's son became involved in the Special Olympics, his confidence grew, he opened up, he saw a new opportunity.
Now Weiner says her son, Larry, 52, of Lower Moreland, who has Down syndrome, is excited about the new Miracle League of Northampton that will use a rubberized field accessible to people with physical and mental disabilities.
Organizers envision a league - one of about 200 Miracle Leagues nationwide - available to all of Bucks County and its surrounding communities.
"The new field that they want to build would give him that much more confidence to do what he can do," Weiner said.
About 30 volunteers have banded together to push for Northampton's Miracle League, one of 12 in Pennsylvania. (Of those 12, three have completed fields and nine are under construction or in the fundraising phase.)
And although the league has netted about $30,000 since its fundraising efforts began halfway through the fall, there's still a lot more cash needed to bring the field to the Northampton Township Municipal Park, league board member Debbi Katz said.
The group needs upwards of $750,000 to get the Miracle League going full swing.
"It's run just like any other sports program; it's just our players are individuals with disabilities," said Diane Alford, national executive director of the Miracle League.
She said the league's teams play one game a week. The 200 leagues generally have two seasons a year, she said. But before the teams are formed, getting the field and raising awareness are the first steps.
The rubberized baseball and softball field used in Miracle League play allows those in wheelchairs and walkers to play ball. Traditional grass-and-dirt fields are tough for them to navigate. Organizers hope senior citizens also can get some use out of the field's smooth surface.
George Hofmann of Northampton and his 9-year-old daughter, Karlee, who is paraplegic, can't wait for the new field, Hofmann said.
"It's very exciting for us, and it gives her a sense of accomplishment, a sense of participation," Hofmann said. He said his daughter had problems playing ball in other leagues because of the grass and dirt.
"We want these children to come out," he said. "We want them to have these opportunities."
Danny Adler can be reached at 215-949-4205 or dadler@phillyBurbs.com.