UNION — One of the highlights of the Trans-South Wrestling event featured at the Union County Agricultural Fair on Saturday was a contribution from the wrestlers to a group that strives to give everyone a chance to be actively involved in sports.

Trans-South Wrestling heavyweight champion Deon Johnson, “Boogie Woogie” Mickey Richards, Peter Kaasanova and GM Freddie Vanderford called representatives from the Miracle League of Union County into the wrestling ring before the first match on Saturday for a special presentation.

As Amy Austin, Betsy Hudson and the Miracle League of Union County mascot “Homer” entered the ring, Vanderford informed the crowd that TSW would make a donation to the cause.

“We would like to encourage everyone to give whatever they can to this wonderful cause,” he said. “This is a small amount, but it will hopefully bring even more awareness to the cause and get others to donate as well.”

TSW contributed $250 toward the Miracle League of Union County’s project of turning Field No. 1 at the Timken Sports Complex into a Miracle League field. To become a Miracle League field, the field would have to be made into a completely flat, low-impact surface that will support any mobility aid including walkers and wheelchairs. The estimated cost of the project is $250,000.

After a $25,000 grant from the Timken Family Foundation — which came along with a challenge for the group to raise $60,000 which would then be matched by another $60,000 from the foundation — and a $50,000 donation from the City of Union from funds generated by the city’s Hospitality and Accommodations tax, the Miracle League of Union County is getting close to its goal.

Austin first learned about Miracle League through her son Chandler’s involvement. Chandler played in the Carolina Miracle League in Boiling Springs, which meant an hour drive two nights a week.

“So many families in Union could benefit from Miracle League but just can’t get there,” Austin said, pointing out that according to the Disability Action Center in Columbia, 15 percent of the population in Union County has some type of disabling condition including speech impairments.

“Out of adults and children playing baseball in Union right now, there are not a lot with disabilities. In Miracle League, everybody can play ball.”

To make a donation, send checks made payable to Miracle League of Union County, P.O. Box 425, Union, SC 29379.

For more information, find “The Miracle League of Union County” on Facebook, or contact Amy Austin by emailing amyaustin29@yahoo.com or calling (864) 466-7879.

Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.