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Miracles are happening right here in LaGrange.

On Thursday, members from so many aspects of our community — Lafayette Christian, KIA Georgia, The Callaway Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce, Pepsi, Exceptional Way and so many more — gathered at the new Miracle League of LaGrange field for ribbon cutting and more importantly, to kick off a new era of inclusivity in Troup County.

It was a special moment for so many individuals that put in countless hours to make this happen. For Miracle League of LaGrange president Mary Beth Pelt, this was a dream come true.

“I’m born and raised here and I love LaGrange, Georgia with my whole heart,” Pelt said. “To see the way they have rallied around the special needs community in the last year and half is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to be a part of such an amazing city.”

The amount of people that converged on the field Thursday was staggering and left Pelt floored. 

She hopped on board a train that has been on track for some time. John Cipolla, the superintendent of Lafayette Christian School, has been onboard since the start and helped make it possible by getting the school involved. 

“This has been a community and a team effort,” Cipolla said. “We are exciting about having the Miracle League on Lafayette Christian’s campus.”

This would not be possible without donations both small and large. Members of the community stepped up as well in KIA Georgia, Pepsi and the Callaway Foundation.Without support from organizations like these, this field would likely not have been possible. 

“It took a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make this happen,” Pelt said. “This was truly a community project.”

The field is just a piece of the evolution in inclusivity that is happening on the  Lafayette Christian School campus. The adapted sports playground — located right beside the field behind the main Lafayette Christian School buildings — has already been a massive hit in the community. It allows adapted individuals and anybody else to play in unison on a playground that features all the normal bells and whistles that you would find on a playground, altered slightly to help facilitate a fun experience for those who cannot access other playgrounds so easily. 

Opening day is set for April 15. Right now, there are around 40 athletes that will comprise four teams. The league is looking to add more players, buddies, sponsors and coaches. 

Anybody interested in learning more or registering as well as anybody interested in using the field can reach out to Pelt at mbpelt@icould.com or 706-594-4791.

“I’m excited about the games that we will get to play together and all the smiles and laughter,” Pelt said. “That field has been empty for far too long. It’s time to fill it up with supporters and athletes. We are ready to make magic.”