By Mary Malloy
Their busy time here culminated with a reception hosted by the John P. McGuinness-Richard Fitzsimons Dev. 14 Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Inc. at the The Irish American Center in Mineola.
The Irish and American Youth Team (the "Team") was founded in 1987 with the intention of promoting recreational, leisure, and sporting activities for physically challenged young people. Since then the mission has widened to include - through scholarships and other programs - educational and career development for physically challenged children, and, where possible, medical assistance and medical equipment for the most needy of these children.
The Irish Youth Team was made up of children from the north, south, east, and west of the Ireland. Their disabilities ranged from spina bifida, cerebral palsy, hearing and sight impairments, cystic fibrosis, burns, amputations, and spinal injuries. The events included competitions in track and field, swimming, horseback riding, table tennis, etc.
By participating in the games, by striving for and achieving their personal bests, the children develop confidence, positive attitudes, and strong self-images. All participants are winners and each child's life is enhanced by the sense of independence and accomplishment they earn through their own efforts.
The Team also provides financial support to those families of children, both in Ireland and the United States, who are in the most difficult of circumstances.
Photos by Jeff Wilson/Herald
