The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America- Novi annual membership picnic Saturday was no ordinary picnic.
This year’s picnic came with an added bonus as members were able to utilize the completely wheelchair accessible Miracle League of Plymouth baseball field.
Nearly 75 MPVA members come out ready to “play ball.” The event was free and it is just one of the many functions that the MPVA offers its membership, individuals with spinal cord injuries or disease, to gather together and build fellowship.
“We always look forward to our summer picnic with our members, but this year we had the special opportunity to play baseball,” said Michael Harris, MPVA executive director. “Many of our members are typically not able to do so because we do not always have the ability to access baseball fields from our wheelchairs. Thanks to the Miracle League of Plymouth, we were be able to get out and share one of America’s favorite pastimes.”
The MPVA and the Miracle League of Plymouth both hope that this event will inspire further use from veterans with disabilities.
“We would be delighted to see a future veteran’s baseball league play right here on this field on a regular basis,” said Debra Madonna, president of the Plymouth Miracle League. “Part of our mission is to maintain a facility that will meet the unique needs of players and their families and we are happy to see our local service men and women do just that.”
Michigan Paralyzed Veterans made a generous donation of $250 to the Miracle League of Plymouth
The Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946 to address the needs and concerns of veterans who have sustained an injury or disease of the spinal cord. PVA is devoting its life and effort to enhancing the quality of life for these veterans and other persons with disability administering programs in research, wheelchair sports, legislation and advocating for improved civil rights for persons with a disability regardless of race, creed, or color. For more information on the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, please visit: www.michiganpva.org.
The Miracle League of Plymouth’s mission is to: provide opportunities to all children with special needs to play baseball regardless of their abilities, promote community awareness and support, and construct and maintain special facilities that meet the unique needs of players and their families.
Written by
Jaclyn Kochis
