The spotlight is on special competitors
More than 1,100 athletes from across New York state will compete in a variety of events when the 38th annual Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged gets underway at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex, in Uniondale, and at nearby Nassau Community College, in Garden City, May 31 and June 1.
The festivities kicked off on May 10, led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside student-athletes from the Henry Viscardi Center, a nonprofit in Albertson that aims to educate, employ and empower children, adults and veterans with disabilities or special needs.
“We are always honored to host the press conference for the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged,” Chris Rosa, president and chief executive of the Viscardi Center, said in a release. “The Games are a celebration of inclusive, adapted sports that have become a tradition for Viscardi athletes to participate in. The sporting events are enjoyed by the Henry Viscardi School students and their families each year, and become some of their most treasured school memories.”
In 1984, Long Island hosted the International Games for the Disabled, now the Paralympics. That event inspired the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to create a program for physically challenged youth to engage in athletic competition. The inaugural games, in 1985, attracted 240 athletes. The number has since grown to nearly 1,600 statewide, taking part in two annual regional competitions.
The games provide a platform for athletes ages 5 to 21 with a range of physical challenges, including blindness and visual impairment, deafness and hearing impairment, spinal cord injuries, amputations, cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other disabilities. The competitive events include track and field, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis.
The games’ longevity is a testament to the community’s support, especially following the elimination of state funding in 2010. The county executive’s office, supported by private companies, has ensured the event’s continuity.
“Each year, I’m truly inspired by the remarkable athletes who compete in the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged,” Blakeman said in the release. “It’s a sight to behold. I invite all Nassau residents to join me at Mitchel Field on May 31 and June 1 to witness these incredible athletes in action and enjoy the festivities. I would also like to thank our generous sponsors that have allowed us to keep the Games alive here in Nassau County.”
The mission of the games is to provide these young people with opportunities to take part in competitive sports tailored to their abilities, and help them develop skills, confidence and self-esteem. The competition also aims to raise public awareness of the capabilities of physically challenged people.
King Kullen has been a sponsor of the competition for the past 30 years, providing food for the athletes. Hofstra University offers them low-cost housing.
“This Long Island tradition supports equity and inclusion in sports so that all students can compete and have fun,” Hofstra President Susan Poser said in the release. “Hofstra is honored to continue its longstanding support of these Games and looks forward to welcoming the athletes and their families to campus this summer.”
Nassau Community College will host swimming, wheelchair basketball, and table tennis events, and volunteers from the county Department of Health and Medical Reserve Corps providing on-site medical care. NICE Bus will offer shuttle bus services for the athletes as well.
The games are free for all of the participants, made possible by community-wide fundraising and individual donations as well as the sponsorships. The public is encouraged to attend and support the competitors, and to witness a weekend of sportsmanship and community spirit.
For more information, go to NassauCountyPcgames.com.
