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A special trip for a special athlete

A special trip for a special athlete

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Wolford represents Miracle League of Crittenden County at All-Star Game

sports@theeveningtimes.com

Bryce Wolford of Marion had a chance to show his skills recently and represent his home community.

Last week, Bryce participated in the Miracle League All-Star Game in Sioux City, Iowa.

“The Miracle League chooses players with Special Needs all over the world and we were so honored that Bryce was chosen to represent the Miracle League of Crittenden County,” said proud mom Robin Wolford. “We had major support from the West Memphis Boys and Girls Club, MYSA, Diamond Astros baseball team, Fenter Physical Therapy, Jody Fenter and Julie Roeder among other friends and family who made it possible for us to attend such a Wonderful event. This was such a fun and Memorable time for Bryce that he and his parents will never forget.”

Everyday activities can be more challenging for people with special needs.

But, every Tuesday during the baseball season, the Miracle League meets on a specially made diamond at Tilden Rodgers Park so that people who deal with certain disabilities can enjoy playing America’s pastime.

The Miracle League exists to give the opportunity to participate in organized sports who otherwise might not have that option, due to mental or physical developmental issues.

The final score is not as important as the game itself. For children with disabilities it’s about an enjoyable sports experience. Special measures are taken with everything from equipment, to the field, to playing times in order to make sure players are given the safest possible environment.

The field is also specially made for people with disabilities with safety and convenience in mind. A smaller field, it is entirely made out of artificial turf, which is wheelchair friendly.

The Miracle League of Crittenden County plays on an adaptive sports field, constructed a few years ago in part with funding from The Cal Ripken Foundation, who were contacted by Keith Ingram to help the Miracle League after Ingram had a conversation with a special needs student from Bragg Elementary. The West Memphis City Council then agreed to divert some of its park rehab funding toward a matching fund component to get the field constructed.

The Crittenden County Miracle League recently completed its summer baseball program, but the league is already eyeing their next big program, fall kickball.

Miracle League Fall Kickball will be jeld on Mondays, Sept. 30 through Oct. 28, at the Cal Ripken Foundation Adaptive Field at Tilden Rodgers Park, in West Memphis. Games will be played weekly beginning at 4:45 p.m. The league is open to special needs athletes of all ability levels. The kickball season will end with Halloween Costume Party for participants. Volunteers are needed. For more information about the Miracle League of Crittenden County, or to register for kickball, contact Shelby Jo Moore via e-mail at shelby.moore@fidelitybanker.com.

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