Watch Gina sing the national anthem at the Magic vs. Boston playoff game #3...


When her Daddy first held her in his arms he knew his daughter was special. He could picture himself taking her to baseball games, watching her play little league games and playing ball with her in the back yard. He had no idea by age 7 his daughter wo uld have taken him on a dream journey through major league sporting events.

Gina Incandela has become a special fixture in the sporting world carving out her own special niche. She has stood on the grass at Shea Stadium, watched the roof close from home plate at Minute Maid Park, viewed herself on the jumbo trinitron at Dolphin Stadium, thrown basketballs on the NBA Court of the Orlando Magic and hit tennis balls into the net on the Court of Arthur Ashe Stadium (and so much more). Along the way Gina has captured the hearts and earned the respect of countless players, managers and owners of teams across the Country. Yes, this child is special and the sporting world has welcomed her with open arms.

At age 2 Gina was diagnosed with a form of autism because she was unable to speak. After intensive therapy which included music therapy-Gina found her voice and started to sing.

Just over a year ago on March 2, 2008 Gina performed the National Anthem at her first spring training game for the Houston Astros. She was 6 years old. That is where the journey started for her to become one of the most in demand National Anthem performers in professional sports.

Her amazing voice and ability to touch a crowd quickly took her across the Country. She performed at the 2008 US Open Tennis Championship in New York, at season games for the New York Mets at Shea Stadium, The Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Texas and for the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium in Miami.

When she performed in Houston, she was greeted and accompanied onto the field at Minute Maid Park by Astros owner, Drayton McLane who has been incredibly supportive of Gina and her dreams. In fact, MLB has been very accepting of Gina who at age 6 has spent much time in major league dugouts and behind home plate of stadiums where most sports fans dream of standing. This past March Gina sang at spring training games for 6 home teams (Houston Astros, NY Mets, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers and opening day for the Tampa Bay Rays).

The NHL has been kind as well. Gina performed for the Tampa Bay Lightning an amazing 3 times, singing the National Anthem, O'Canada and even a Christmas song.

Of course, there is the NBA and "her" Orlando Magic. Starting out her first performance with a game vs. Miami this past February, Gina is about to take the Court for her second Playoff game this season (actually, her second Playoff game this week). Hopefully, she will bring a little extra luck to the Orlando Magic this evening!

She has performed the National Anthem over 50 times this past year for various events. She has no fear of singing in massive stadiums and loves to see all the seats full. While most children her age might be found singing the National Anthem at little league games, there is no doubt Gina has hit the big leagues in a big way.

She is not limited to sporting events or the National Anthem, but what she has accomplished in this area is unheard of for a child. Gina is an underdog, who has surpassed everyone's expectations for success. She is an amazing kid who doesn't let anything stand in the way of her dreams. She does not recognize the magnitude of her accomplishments. She does not yet appreciate that many sports fans would kill to be in he r shoes for a moment. Getting a high five from a professional team after she sings is normal occurrence in her life. She only knows she is having fun and bringing joy to those that have the opportunity to hear her whether players, owners, managers or fans.

It's hard to imagine what this year will bring. But, now her Dad knows to be prepared for anything!



Find out more about Gina