Syracuse Couple Changes the Game for New Yorkers With Disabilities – Literally
The Syracuse University football team is off to an awesome start. As great as that is, this is even better.
John and Laura Lally have unofficially created what they call "the Lally Zone" at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Lally Zone at Syracuse University
The Lally Zone is a bunch of 30 closely-packed seats that the Lallys bought in Section 129 at the JMA Wireless Dome for the current football season. Here's the best part, the Lallys are going to fill those seats with people from charities, with a special focus on Syracuse Challenger Baseball and Unified Sports.
These organizations do amazing work by providing athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Lallys goal is to show appreciation for these organizations and help them make it to the JMA Wireless Dome.
They want to make a welcoming space in a place that can get pretty hectic. Their desire is to make things easier for families with disabilities. The Lallys are considering giving some tickets to other charities like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. They just want to spread the love and bring people together.
The Lallys are involved with Unified Sports and Challenger Baseball and that's why they want to make a difference. They are making the JMA Dome more inclusive for people with disabilities.
The Lallys with help from local businessman, Vinny Lobdell have donated $225,000 for a fundraising project to expand DeWitt's Carrier Park Field of Dreams. By the time they are done, they are looking to raise $5 million.
If the Lally name sounds familiar, it's because the Lallys have committed $25 million to the Lally Athletics Complex, which is the epicenter of SU's athletic department. Laura Lally told Syracuse.com, they want everyone to feel included, and that means everyone in the community.
They think everyone should be able to come together and celebrate athletics. I've officiated Unified basketball games and it's one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The joy that they bring to the court is infectious and you can't help but be moved by it.
So when you see someone in the Lally Zone, know that it's something greater than a Syracuse University football game. To the Lallys, I say "thank you, you are making a difference in ways that you may never know."