Cam Ward

State Representative- District 49

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                           For More Information, contact:

December 8 , 2008                                                                                                                     (205) 664-1066

www.camward.com                                                                                                                   (205) 566-6746

REP. CAM WARD ANNOUNCES $25,000 GRANT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PLAYGROUND IN ALABASTER

Alabaster, Alabama- State Representative Cam Ward announced a $25,000 grant today for Thompson Middle School . Ward made the announcement as he visited with TMS Principal, Mary Youngblood and Joyce Bulford at the school.

The playground is specifically designed for children who have special needs or are disabled. The equipment is constructed in such a way that children with these disabilities can enjoy the full benefit of outdoor recreational activities just like any other child in school.

Joyce Bulford, who has headed the fundraising for the new special needs playground stated that the school has almost all the monies necessary to begin construction on the project.

Representative Ward said “this is one of the most wonderful projects ever undertaken by Thompson Middle School . So many children with special needs do not get to enjoy activities like other children because of the lack of adequate facilities. This playground will bring about a positive change for many of these kids.”

Ward went on to say that he appreciated the support that Thompson Middle School receives from both the Shelby County Board of Education and the City of Alabaster . Without the cooperation and dedicated leadership shown by these two groups, Alabaster would not have made the progress they have made so far in improving our schools.

The grant was approved in November at the request of Representative Ward by the Public School and College Authority.