FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lauren Hames 407-246-3106

MAYOR DYER AND CHAIRMAN CROTTY
ANNOUNCE MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION

(see photos)

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 30, 2004) – On Saturday, May 1, 2004, at 9 a.m. Mayor Buddy Dyer will join Orange County Chairman Richard T. Crotty, Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood, Orlando District 3 Commissioner Vicki Vargo and Orange County District 2 Commissioner Bob Sindler in officially opening the Demetree Miracle Field at Trotters Park.

The Miracle League organization was created in 1998 in Conyers, Georgia, when a group of parents decided to organize a baseball game for their children with physical disabilities and special needs. The 35 children named themselves The Miracle League. Today, sixty-five leagues are in operation, making The Miracle League the fastest growing baseball program for children with disabilities. The Central Florida Miracle League was started in 2001 and is now in its third season of play with more than 150 participants.

The field is fully accessible to children and adults. Because traditional baseball diamonds were not designed with wheelchairs and walkers in mind, the Miracle Field will be made of a flat rubber surface, which provides easy mobility.

Kelly Puckett, founder and president of Central Florida Miracle League, approached the City of Orlando for financial assistance in 2003. Mayor Dyer has honored the City’s commitment by providing $230,000 in matching funds to build a “Field of Dreams.” With a $60,000 grant from Orange County, a generous donation from the Demetree family of Orlando and a gift from the David Metzker Golf Classic, the Central Florida Miracle League was able to match the $230,000. The Demetree Miracle Field was recently completed with a total budget of $460,000.

The Demetree Miracle Field is located off of Lee Road at Trotters Park. For more information, please visit www.cfmiracleleague.com.
 

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