QUEENS, N.Y. – In conjunction with University of Service Day, the St. John’s track and field team made a visit to the League of Yes on Saturday, Sept. 26. This is the 14th consecutive year that St. John’s student athletes have participated in University Service Day, a university-wide community service initiative.
The League of Yes, formerly known as the Miracle League, is a charitable organization that provides the opportunity for children with disabilities to play baseball. Former St. John’s track and field star Kristine Fitzpatrick founded the league’s Long Island chapter in 2010 and has helped turn this non-profit organization into a nationwide program, currently standing as executive director of the league.
“We were very pleased to have our team once again participate with the League of Yes for University Service Day,” said Head Coach Jim Hurt. “Kristine Fitzpatrick, founder of this organization, was a former track and field standout star with us, setting school records and winning BIG EAST titles. Her efforts with the League of Yes have brought the joy of participating in sports to hundreds of children who may have not had that opportunity previously. Seeing the smiles of these children and their families really made the day special for our team and we look forward to being there again next year.”
The track and field team joined together with the St. John’s baseball team to serve as a BUDDY, an acronym for “Because Unbelievable Dedication Deserves YOU,” for the program. Their roles included encouraging the children and helping them bat and run the bases.
The League’s mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Their objective is to provide an opportunity for those individuals to experience the joy and benefits that come from participating in sports, as well as helping these children develop social skills and increase self esteem.
Story courtesy of www.redstormsports.com
