WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Miracle League Takes Field In New Ball Park

Nov 10, 2006

CARY, N.C. — There's nothing like a ball game to lift the spirit. But Saturday's matchup was a miracle -- one of many for the Miracle League, which has 87 players with physical and mental disabilities, eight teams and one high-tech field.

The whole event to kick off the league's opening day in its new park at Adams Elementary School in Cary was a thrill that Lindsay Holcombe relished.

"My favorite is to hit the ball," said Lindsay.

Boys and girls who otherwise wouldn't get a chance to play took the Miracle League field with countless volunteers. The special turf was designed for people with mobility issues.

"They're giving us a chance to watch our son play in a sport where everybody understands him and everybody's equal," said parent Tim Wooten.

People who spent more than a minute at the field Saturday couldn't help but smile. But it was hard to tell who was having the most fun -- the players or their parents.

"That's an important part of her life, how she's received by the community," said Lindsay's mother Jackie Holcombe. "Does she have a place? And it's clear that she does. She is welcomed and valued, as are her peers. To me as a parent, what more can you want for your child?"

The nonprofit group is raising money for the $500,000 field. For more information on how to contribute or participate, visit its

Web site

.

• Reporter: John Bachman
• Photographer: Bobbie Eng
• Web Editor: Dana Franks