July 8, 2011

WEST HARTFORD LEGISLATORS STEP UP TO THE PLATE
FOR ATHLETES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
State approves funding for Miracle Field

State Senator Beth Bye(D-West Hartford) and State Representatives Andy Fleischmann (D-West Hartford), Brian Becker (D-West Hartford), and Joe Verrengia (D-West Hartford) announced that that the State Bond Commission today approved $250,000 in state funding for Miracle Field in West Hartford.

“This has been the town, the state, corporations and individuals all working together to make this project come true. It has truly been a total community effort,” said Bye (D-West Hartford).

“Every child should have the opportunity to participate in sports,” said Fleischmann, House Chairman of the General Assembly’s Education Committee. “I’m pleased that, working as a team, the West Hartford delegation was able to secure this funding for Miracle Field at the corner of Asylum Avenue and Trout Brook Drive. This field is the first of its kind in New England; now all of our children will have a chance to play ball and unleash their full potential.”

Organizers broke ground on West Hartford’s Miracle Field—a baseball/softball field for children with disabilities— last month. Located at the University of Connecticut West Hartford Campus on the east side of Trout Brook Drive, the field will include rubberized surfaces to provide better access for those who use wheelchairs and walkers.

“West Hartford's Marcus Apter, an avid sportsman, was instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for construction of the field,” said Becker. “In addition, Mike Michaud, Ronit Shoham, and Scott Franklin, principal founders of the Miracle League of Hartford, were tireless supporters and advocates that brought the idea of a 'boundless' wheelchair-accessible field to reality. It was great for us to be able to help move this project forward.”

“This field will change the lives of children with disabilities,” said Verrengia, who was on the Town Council in February when $50,000 was allocated for the project by the town. “I’m honored to carry on my support for the project at the state level.”

The state funds will pay for play areas and rest facilities that are fully accessible to all— as is the case with every path or building connected to Miracle Field. Organizers hope to have the field completed next spring.