ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Frank Kolarek's League of Dreams
organization was named the Public Awareness Program of the Year during
the 20th Annual Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities award ceremony.
The League of Dreams enables children and adults with physical or mental
challenges, who are otherwise unable to participate in organized sports, the
chance to play baseball and softball which culminates each season with a
League of Dreams All Star Game at Ripken Stadium.
Kolarek brought the organization to Aberdeen Proving Ground earlier this
year after prompting by Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Rhoades and
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers president Spc. Carlos Rios. Rhoades
attended the award ceremony at Kolarek's invitation.
Kolarek said the honor means alot and the League of Dreams continues to grow and is moving in the right direction.
"To see new programs come to life, like the APG initiative this past summer, and to receive recognition, means that we continue to move forward, serving and reaching more families and children," he said. "It's everybody contributing and doing their part; a true team effort."
He added, "It meant a great deal to me and all of us with the League of
Dreams. It was very special" to have Command Sgt. Maj. Rhoades present for the ceremony.
"To have an association with all the award winners makes me realize we are
on the same team helping everyone in our communities and that is very motivating," he said. "We hope to continue to grow in APG, Aberdeen and Harford County.
"My vision is to have pockets of leagues throughout the state and in time
regionally and nationally. In [2011] I like to think we can continue to expand, but the key is to have these programs develop a life of their own, provide the necessary resources for success and most importantly financial stability."
The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks' Therapeutic Division nominated the League of Dreams for the award and has been a partner for seven years.
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