For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 26, 2011—Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice (District 2) will join representatives of the Washington Nationals, officials from the Montgomery Miracle League and other elected officials at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, for the dedication of the Washington Nationals Miracle Field that will be part of the South Germantown Recreational Park complex. The specially designed field will allow children and young adults with mental and/or physical disabilities to enjoy the opportunity to safely play baseball.
South Germantown Park is located at 17950 Germantown Park Drive in Germantown. It is easily accessed by taking the Route 118 West exit off of I-270.
In addition to Councilmember Rice, among those expected to attend the dedication of the first Miracle Field in Maryland are Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and owners, executives and players of the Washington Nationals.
The field will serve as the home for the Miracle League of Montgomery County. The field incorporates a cushioned synthetic turf that allows children using wheelchairs and walkers to “run” the bases without fear of injury. Nationals players will join Miracle League athletes on the new field for a brief game of baseball following the ceremony.
“South Germantown Park continues to evolve as one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s premiere facilities for young athletes to participate in a variety of sports,” said Councilmember Rice. “Now, right in our community, we will be providing opportunities for some of our most special athletes to experience the thrill of playing baseball. We are thankful to the Miracle League, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, the Lerner Family Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda and all of the other individuals and organizations who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality.”
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and the Montgomery County Recreation Department are among the organizations that have aggressively worked toward establishment of the field.
The Miracle League of Montgomery County is a non-profit organization that is the first of its kind in Maryland. In addition to Montgomery County children and young adults, the league will provide opportunities to play baseball to others from communities throughout the Washington Region. There are 240 Miracle League organizations across the country and in Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia providing opportunities for more than 200,000 children and young adults with disabilities.
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Release ID: 11-175
Media Contact: Neil Greenberger 240-777-7939, Delphine Harriston 240-777-7931