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Miracle League field becoming more of a reality with new corporate sponsors

The Miracle League baseball field planned for Watkinsville to benefit Extra Special People is becoming much more of a reality with the addition of new corporate sponsors, bringing its $1.4M goal within reach.

From Extra Special People: 

ATHENS, GA —Extra Special People announced several corporate partners who are bringing the Miracle League baseball field and sports complex to life. These generous donors include current ESP partners who are increasing their giving specifically for ESP's new fully-accessible sports complex, as well as new sponsors dedicated to giving children of all abilities the chance to experience the game of baseball.

St. Mary’s Hospital announced they will be the scoreboard sponsor of the Miracle League baseball field, set to be built at Harris Shoals Park in Watkinsville and opening in spring of 2020.

“One of St. Mary’s core values is honoring the dignity of every person. We believe the opportunity for children with special needs to experience the joys of childhood that typical kids enjoy through physical activity, such as baseball, is a core component of our community support,” said Montez Carter, President and CEO.

Golden Pantry has donated $50,000 toward the Miracle League for the concession stand, and has also agreed to provide product in perpetuity, offering a branded “mini mart” experience for players and fans at the sports complex.

“One of our core values at Golden Pantry is to serve the neighborhoods where we’re located, and we couldn’t be more excited to support ESP’s Miracle League Sports Complex,” said Robert Griffith, President, Golden Pantry. “We have a unique opportunity by sponsoring the concession stand at the Miracle League field, and we’ll be turning it into a mini Golden Pantry with all of the snacks and drinks that our customers love.”

Bulldog Kia, a long-time ESP supporter, is increasing their already-generous gifts in order to sponsor the Miracle League outfield with a $25,000 donation. ESP’s Miracle League complex will include construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of players and their families. Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other devices while helping to prevent injuries.

“The highlight of our week at Bulldog Kia is always the visit from our ESP friends and their Java Joy coffee service,” said David Kernall, Owner and General Manager of Bulldog Kia, presenting sponsor of Java Joy. “We were thrilled when the opportunity to support the new Miracle League Sports Complex arose, and we’re looking forward to cheering on our favorite Joyristas as they step up to home plate in 2019.”

Brad Akins, owner of Akins Ford in Winder, and his wife, Vanessa, long-time supporters of ESP, generously donated to support construction of one of the field’s dugouts. Akins Ford Winder and The Ford Fund also recently helped ESP secure a new van for additional transportation routes.

“From Java Joy to Big Hearts, we are all-in for Extra Special People,” said Akins. “Of course we were ready to invest in our community of kids with special needs to bring them a baseball field and sports complex. They deserve nothing less.”

The incredible success and generosity of individuals in the community at ESP’s recent Big Hearts at Bat banquet, Giving Tuesday and holiday campaign in late 2018 garnered more than $250,000 that will go toward the rubberized surface of the field, backstop and stadium lights, enabling kids to play into the evening hours.

Additionally, these generous corporate sponsors have donated significantly to the Miracle League complex, which has now reached $1.1 million of the $1.4 million goal.

  • 3T Sports

  • 3Tree Realty

  • ABB Cares through Thomas Eye Center

  • Ashford Manor

  • Athens Ford

  • Athens Seed Company

  • BankSouth Foundation

  • Cable East

  • East Coast Grading

  • Oconee State Bank

  • Prudential

  • R&R Mobility

  • Southern Protective Group

  • Striplings General Store

  • The Southern Brewing Company

“Individuals with disabilities experience limitations in community spaces and face barriers that prevent them from fully participating because of inaccessible design,” explained Laura Whitaker, Executive Director of ESP. “Building a Miracle League field in our community and partnering with these incredible local businesses helps fulfill our belief that every kid deserves to play sports and thrive in an accessible space that allows them to gain confidence, improve their physical health and abilities and foster meaningful relationships with their peers.”

Multiple studies show children with disabilities are excluded from peer-to-peer play at far higher rates than typically-developing children. Inclusive public play spaces are shown to eliminate these negative effects for individuals with disabilities but also create positive effects for typically-developing children and adults alike. Inclusive playgrounds, parks and community spaces promote engagement and interaction with a diversity of people both in age and ability levels, create economic and social gains for communities, increase play among kids with and without disabilities and promote overall feelings of acceptance for people with disabilities.

There are still opportunities for corporate partners to step up to the plate to reach ESP's $1.4 million goal that includes not only a baseball field for kids with special needs, but also a splash pad and playground for everyone in the community to enjoy. Naming opportunities for the field, dugout, playground and more can bring ESP's field of dreams to life in 2019. To become a giving partner, visit www.espmiracleleague.org.

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About Extra Special People

Extra Special People, Inc., (ESP), a 501 (c)(3) is a nonprofit serving families and children with special needs in the eight-county area surrounding Watkinsville, Ga., since 1987. With ever-expanding after-school programs, weekend clubs, an eight-week long summer camp and family resources, ESP now reaches more than 450 children, with an ongoing dream of reaching every Northeast Georgia family that has a need and a desire to help their special child grow and thrive.

Contributing to this dream was the addition of 70 acres in Jackson County in December 2014. Camp Hooray will one day continue the ESP mission by hosting overnight camps, weekend retreats, and events for children and families of all abilities

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