Spartans get special visit from St. Mary’s kids

For the second straight year, children of the St. Mary’s Healthcare System were invited to watch the Valley Stream North High School Spartans in action at one of the team’s first home games of the 2009 season. The children once again were named the honorary captains during half-time.

The special honor was just another way Valley Stream players show their deep affection for some of New York’s most seriously ill and injured children battling complex medical conditions. St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is a national leader in post-acute care for children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.

This isn’t the first time the football players have gone the distance for the children of St. Mary’s. Valley Stream North football coach Tom Schiavo arranged for his team to visit the hospital a few years ago to meet the patients. “I wanted my team to learn to be giving and I wanted to teach them how important it is to be thankful for what they have,” Schiavo said. “My kids are grateful for this opportunity and they know it’s a privilege to meet some of the most amazing children in New York. They can’t wait to go back to the hospital and visit the kids again”

The St. Mary’s kids also keep the players close to their hearts and have created close knit friendships with the Spartans.