Sept. 23, 2012

Charlotte volunteers at Miracle League facility opening

Members of the Charlotte baseball team recently participated in opening ceremonies at the Miracle League new facility at the University YMCA.

The Miracle League allows children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Volunteers, such as the 49ers, are paired with the children to help them play.

Redshirt freshman Patric King spearheaded the project for Charlotte. He worked at the University YMCA during a summer internship as part of his Levine scholarship.

“A lot of people came out to the grand opening.” King said in a school release. “It was a great thing to see. There were a lot of people out there who cared. It would be a hard thing to turn away from seeing how much fun all of those kids had.”

The Charlotte Knights, including minority partner Bill Allen, assisted in getting the field in Charlotte, the only wheelchair-accessible field in western North Carolina.

“Our players did a great job and were blown away by the facility, the enthusiasm of the kids and leadership of the staff at the YMCA,” Charlotte head coach Loren Hibbs was quoted as saying. “Our schedule will allow for our players to attend three more Saturday events and we are looking forward to continuing the relationship we have with the Miracle League at the YMCA.”

(photos courtesy of UNCC Media Relations Office)