County helps support the Games for third year in a row
(Long Island, NY) Nassau County was joined today by a dozen private sector sponsors to announce that they will host the Games for the Physically Challenged for the third consecutive year.
With the support of private-sector donations, Nassau saved the games in 2011 after learning that New York State had eliminated the funding for the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, according to County Executive Edward P. Mangano.
“The young student athletes who are able to participate in the weekend of events are truly inspirational to watch,” he said. “As you see them cross the finish line, you see the smiles on their faces and tears of joy in their eyes. For one weekend, they get to compete with their friends from across New York State, share their stories and continue to build long-lasting friendships.”
NBTY Helping Hands Charity, a non-profit corporation, has committed to being the Event Sponsor of the Games for 2013. Their generous of $50,000 will have a significant impact on providing a memorable weekend of events for the physically challenged student athletes participating in the Games, said Mike Oliveri, Chairman of NBTY Helping Hands.
“As an organization that promotes health and wellness, these games are a perfect vehicle for NBTY to give back to our community and recognize these inspirational and determined athletes for their achievements, he said. “It is so refreshing to have the opportunity to witness the love, cooperation and good sportsmanship that these games cultivate each year.”
In its 29th year of competition, the 2013 Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged will take place from May 30th through June 1st at Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau Community College. Athletes will compete in track, field, slalom, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. Participants ranging from ages 5 to 21 face disabilities including blindness, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, spinal cord injured, amputees and those who have cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other physical challenges.
The cost of participation is free and the numbers of athletes increase each year, boasting over 1,000.
