Students from the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired took a trip to Marlins Park Wednesday for a tour they said they will never forget.
The blind students got VIP access to the ballpark before the home game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“We are thrilled,” said Virginia Jacko, the organization's president and CEO. “We are located right down the street in the same neighborhood, and I believe after this experience, our blind kids are going to say to their parents, ‘Mom and Dad, let’s go to Marlins Park.’”
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Joanne Messing, of the Miami Marlins Foundation, said the organization was happy to host the kids.
“That’s most important to us is that the kids have a good experience and they can enjoy Marlins Park as well,” Messing said. “We were able to provide a suite with the audio on so they can hear the game, but their faces are worth a million thank you’s, so we’re so happy to have them.”
The visit was a first for many of the children.
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“It feels like regular grass, and it’s very exciting because I never really had a chance to come to the floor of the field before, and just being here is crazy,” student Dovante Pollard said.
The special touch tour provided by the Miami Marlins Foundation aimed to make it possible to see without sight.
“We in essence saw these things by touch, and what an opportunity,” Jacko said. “We’re so grateful that the Marlins stadium is accessible for the blind and visually impaired.”
