Display of Athletic Excellence Post-9/11 Highlights Inspiring Figures Who Offered a Moment of Joy

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is set to open a special exhibit on Wednesday, titled "Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11". This exhibit will delve into the role sports played in helping New York City heal and return to normalcy following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

The exhibit will feature a variety of artifacts, including NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD hats worn by New York's sports teams, oral histories from players and victims' families, photographs, and videos from those sports moments after the attacks. Notable sports figures such as Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mike Piazza, who played significant roles in New York City sports events post-September 11, will be highlighted.

Several sports organisations, including MLB, NHL, and NFL, have been more than willing to lend a hand in putting the exhibit together. Athletes who visited the exhibit during a press preview expressed humility in their role in helping the city recover.

Rangers goaltending great Mike Richter considers being a part of the healing process a highlight of his career. Mark Messier, Rangers captain, wore Ray Downey's FDNY helmet during a pregame ceremony, which uplifted the Downey family's spirits. Joe Downey, son of FDNY Deputy Chief Ray Downey who died in the towers, found solace in seeing the Rangers honour his father during their home opener on Oct. 7.

For former Giants star Tiki Barber, the thousands of volunteers he saw at The Meadowlands following the attacks provided inspiration to continue playing football. John Franco, former Mets pitcher and Brooklyn native, still finds emotional moments from sports events after the attacks, particularly Mike Piazza's home run at Shea Stadium.

The exhibit's designer, Will Twersky, emphasised personal stories behind the games to make sure that non-sports fans would not feel left out. Alice Greenwald, the president and CEO of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, stated that those sports moments gave people a reason to cheer.

The "Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11" exhibit is not just for sports fans. The museum will provide a new lens to view the events of 9/11 for those who are not sports fans. The exhibit's focus on personal stories behind the games ensures that everyone can find something to connect with.

The yearlong program will continue to highlight the impact on both fans and athletes, providing a lasting tribute to the role sports played in New York's recovery after the Twin Towers fell.

Display of Athletic Excellence Post-9/11 Highlights Inspiring Figures Who Offered a Moment of Joy