TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Three years ago, Charlie Ward Champions Ranch was an idea. Thursday in Tallahassee, the idea became reality, as the first multi-sport field was debuted.
The sound of little voices filling the athletic fields at Champions Ranch is what Tonja and Charlie Ward have been waiting for.
“This is exactly what we have been praying for and dreaming about,” said Tonja.
Less than one year ago, a groundbreaking was held on the 100 acre-plus site, and ten months later, was a ribbon cutting for the Ranch’s first multi-sport field.
“Three years ago was the vision we were sharing with others,” said Charlie. “There was some that saw the vision and were willing to jump on the train with us.”
“You hear these wonderful plans and people paint their vision, but it’s amazing always to see that coming from spoken words to a rendering on a piece of paper, and to be out here today and see what we’re seeing,” said Antonio Jefferson, chairman of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend.
The Ranch is a one stop shop not just for athletics, but for education, wellness, performing arts and life skills. Building lifelong champions is the goal, and over time, there is much more to come.
“More buildings. Indoor court space, indoor turf space, retreating space, overnight camping space,” said Tonja. “Just growth. We want to see more and more of it developed.”
“You want to be able to leave something that’s long lasting,” added Charlie. “You get your jersey retired, that’s long lasting, you win a Heisman, do these different things, that’s long lasting and people remember that. This is another phase of that.”
An impact for little voices, for years to come. Champions Ranch is set to partner with over 30 organizations. The Boys and Girl Club of the Big Bend will have a campus on the Ranch, extending the reach to area youth and their families.
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