This year, the Education Foundation voted to create a new award to bestow upon an East Greenbush resident.  When setting the guidelines, the committee chose to honor a community member who has volunteered much time and talent to East Greenbush.  The recipient was not to be a Columbia High School graduate.  After reviewing the work of several nominees, the Foundation voted to announce Mr. Burke T. Adams, Founder and President of the Capital District Miracle League, as the recipient of the 1^st Annual Community Service Award.  Tonight we will celebrate over 30 years of Burke’s efforts in providing athletic and social opportunities for the East Greenbush community.

Burke graduated from Cardinal McClosky High School in 1962. While in school, he participated in basketball, baseball, bowling and cross country running. Burke then attended Albany Business College. Burke worked as a Supervisor of Computer Operators for the New York State Department of Health for 38 years.

His wife, Carole, is a kindergarten teacher at Bell Top Elementary School. He is the proud father of 5 children; Brian, Scott, Danny, Julie and Jaime. Two of his sons, Brian and Danny, are past inductees of the Columbia High School Hall of Fame.  He is the loving grandfather of Charlotte, Corinne, Jake and Zoe.  Clearly a family man, Burke told us that his favorite activity is watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports.

                Burke was a founding member of the Hudson-Mohawk Runners Club, and he personally crossed the Finish Line in 13 marathons.  He spent 30 years volunteering with the Empire State Games. 

                He was a familiar face on the baseball and softball fields in East Greenbush.  Burke served as a coach and mentor for the East Greenbush-Castleton Little League, the Sorensco Babe Ruth baseball teams and the East Greenbush Girls’ Softball League.

                In 1993, Burke’s passion and focus shifted to providing athletic opportunities to the special needs community in East Greenbush.  He began the push to establish the Capital Region Miracle League in 1999.  His determination and dedication led him to found the first Special Needs Pop Warner Flag Football Program and the first NFL-affiliated Special Needs Football Program.

                In 2005, Burke’s efforts were shared with the world on a television expose featured during the Superbowl.  Following this feature on the Special Needs Athletic Program in East Greenbush, our community became a topic of conversation around the world. Burke became a role model for his efforts; and he received calls from around the world from people seeking advice on how to create a special needs program.

                In May of 2009, the Jaime M. Adams Field was officially opened.  This field is the first multi-sport facility in the United States that is designed specifically for special needs athletes.  The Jaime M. Adams Field was created by Burke’s desire to allow athletes, regardless of ability, to experience the sport and the fulfillment provided in a team environment.  Today, this Field provides a full service home for the Capital Region’s special needs athletes, playing host to baseball, football, soccer and track & field events.

                With this major accomplishment completed, Burke works to continue to make the field an even better place for the special needs athletes.  His desire is to create a clubhouse for the athletes where they would hear their names announced for their at-bats.  He dreams of a facility that would meet their personal needs, and allow for the ability to gather together in an accessible building where birthday parties and community events can be celebrated.

                Anyone who has the privilege of knowing Burke has seen the devotion that drives him to make these things happen for our special needs community.  He is a quiet and unassuming man, always with a smile on his face.  Burke works hard to make the world a better place for these athletes, one quiet dream at a time.

                It is both an honor and privilege for the East Greenbush Education Foundation to proudly present the Community Service Award to Mr. Burke T. Adams for his countless hours of dedicated service to the children of the East Greenbush community.