- November 26, 2024
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After years of using porta-potties, having no storage room for equipment, no shelter from storms or no shade for parents during practices, the Ormond Beach Pride now has its very own Pride Field House, which officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, July 25.
“We are very lucky to have received such a great facility out here,” said Jennifer Ladd, one of Pride’s board members. “The equipment will remain healthy for our children, being stored in a temperature-controlled climate, and to have restrooms and everything in one location makes it a lot easier for the coaches.”
Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District provided a grant worth nearly $200,000 to the building fund, and the city of Ormond Beach added another hundred grand for electricity and other amenities. Pride volunteers, kids and parents worked many hours at events at the race track, Walmart, game days and others to raise the rest of the necessary support.
“When it deals with children and sports, I’m all ears,” said Carl Persis, commissioner of the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District, and former school principal. “These kinds of things take money. You can have all the volunteers to help the children, but, when you need to build a facility, there’s a lot to it.”
Pride players, parents and other members have already begun using the facilities for practices, and they will kick off its season with Jamborees on Saturday, Aug. 27.
A word from Brian Colubiale, the Pride’s director: “The facilities have already been huge. It's more for practice. There are only eight games during the season, but we practice from July through November. Coaches at most high schools have told me we now have a better equipment and facility than most organizations. Our board and volunteers are second to none, a first-class group, and we do it all for the kids.”
