Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman had barely uttered that he was proud to announce the County would once again host the Games for the Physically Challenged when a small, enthusiastic voice from the audience exclaimed, “Yay!” The young Henry Viscardi School student, along with a group of her classmates, was in attendance at the press conference held on May 8, 2024 in the school’s gymnasium at The Viscardi Center. The students’ eagerness to participate in the Games being held May 31-June 1 at Mitchel Field Athletic Complex and Nassau Community College was palpable.
County Executive Blakeman opened the press conference saying, “We are always happy and proud to be here at Henry Viscardi School, a premiere school in the United States, and I’m honored Nassau County gets to host the Games.” He thanked the supporters who make them possible, as well as the volunteers and first responders for the critical roles they play during the weekend events. New York State funding for the Games was eliminated several years ago and the office of the Nassau County Executive, with the help of private sector sponsors, has kept them alive. Participation is free for athletes.
There is great excitement surrounding the 38th Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged, founded by Susan Gordon Ryan in 1985. Over 1,100 athletes from around New York State, ages 5 to 21, with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, will travel to compete in track & field, slalom, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis.
Brianna Pace, a speech therapist at Henry Viscardi School, gave a powerful acapella performance of the national anthem just before tip-off of a wheelchair basketball demonstration by the school’s junior varsity team. Viscardi’s cheer squad was in full force cheering on the Cougars.
Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, shared that students from Henry Viscardi School have been participating since inception and the event is a place to showcase their talent and an opportunity to be a part of the community. “Inclusive basketball was founded here at Viscardi, and the Games are a celebration of inclusive, adapted sports. The competitive events are enjoyed by the students and their families each year and become some of their most treasured school memories. Our alumni often recall with fondness their participation.”
Dr. Rosa reiterated that Able News is now being published by The Viscardi Center and how the paper has a long history of covering the Games and its athletes and volunteers.
Country Executive Blakeman encouraged everyone to attend the 2-day event, saying, “If you have never been, go and watch these great athletes compete as they train for their sport as hard as anyone else.”
The sponsors’ passionate support of the Games was evident. A “driving force,” Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) Chief Executive Officer, Jack Khzouz, shared that NICE has been a sponsor for 12 years – providing shuttle bus services for the participants. “This event is the highlight of the year for our 1,000 employees involved.”
Dr. Susan Poser, President of long-time Games supporter Hofstra University, recognized the Long Island tradition as “a community event that is all about equity and inclusion,” while Dr. Maria P. Conzatti, Chief Administrative Officer of Nassau Community College, said, “Together, let us champion diversity, empower one another, and strive for a future where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead fulfilling lives.”
Robert Suarez, CUDE, AVP Community Development at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, said, “Bethpage is motivated by, and proud to support, these young athletes and future leaders.” Energized by the upcoming activities Kim Kaiman, Long Island Manager of External Affairs at PSEG Long Island, invited Games attendees to come by its table to make posters to cheer on their favorite athletes.
“I’m looking forward to shooting hoops,” said Madison, who received the MVP award for her play in last year’s game as a player on the Viscardi Cubbies team. What is she most excited about this year? “Winning!”