The Miracle League of Alexandria honored Tim Bryant, an employee of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities – Sports Office for nearly 40 years, on Saturday, May 31.
Due to the rainy weather, the ceremony and Miracle League game were moved indoors to the Nannie J. Lee Center. Mac Slover, Chair and Bill Rivers, Secretary/Treasurer of the MLA honored Tim in front of the players, parents, volunteers, Recreation Department staff and supporters. Mac and Bill each spoke about working with Tim through the sports programs and the Miracle League. Tim worked under Slover’s leadership in the Sports Office from 2002 – 2017 and Tim knew Bill from him serving as a volunteer coach for over 20 years in the RPCA youth basketball program. Tim also assisted Mac and Bill when the Miracle League program first started in 2011 and still helps out with the league to this day.
Tim was presented with a framed certificate and a Washington Nationals jersey and hat as part of the support the miracle league receives from them. Tim then turned the tables on Bill and Mac when Tim presented his remarks. He passionately wrote a speech thanking Bill and Mac for their leadership in the community through the years, their friendship to him, but especially the work they have done over the years with the Miracle League and the special needs community in Alexandria. Slover stated, “Tim Bryant is one of the most passionate, kind, soft spoken, warm hearted and class person I have ever worked with or had the pleasure know. I love this man and how he has always been there for me and the children in the City of Alexandria whenever needed. Tim may be soft spoken, but he is a giant among men!” Congratulations Tim on being a longtime friend to the Miracle League of Alexandria.
Below is Tim’s Tribute to Mac and Bill.
The Alexandria Miracle League Hall of Fame
I saw a seed being planted
I have been fortunate to see it grow
I know there were other planters
But there are two I personally know.
America has its MacDonald’s
They are located all over
Alexandria Miracle League has a Mac
With the last name of Slover.
America also has its rivers
They run through mountains and hills
Alexandria Miracle League has its Rivers
With the first name of Bill.
I have seen Mac and Bill work relentlessly
Through times when they were fatigued
They watered the seed that was planted
That has become the Alexandria Miracle League
The Miracle League has produced
Opportunities that may never have been given
It has brought joy and laughter to many
That says life is truly worth living.
Last Night I had a dream
That yours and each participant and workers name
Will someday forever be enshrined
In the Alexandria Miracle League Hall of Fame.
Written by Timothy L. Bryant
Overall, it was a wonderful ceremony and game that helped bring a terrific spring season to a close.
