Nassau County - Long Island, New York

Mangano Invites Residents To The Games For The Physically Challenged

 

Mangano invites people to the games for the physically challenged

Thanks Bethpage High School Students and Local Business Owners for their Efforts to Save the Games

Games to be Held June 2nd-4th

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today invited residents to the 2011 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, which will take place this year from June 2nd through June 4th at Mitchel Field and Nassau Community College.

After New York State announced a plan to eliminate all funding for the Empire State Games, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano stepped in to save the Games by creating the Committee to Save the Games, chaired by Disability Opportunity Fund President & CEO Charles D. Hammerman. Following a number of successful fundraisers and thanks to the generosity of local businesses and schools, the Games will continue for a 27th year.

The Bethpage High School Student Civic Association raised funds to sponsor an Empire State Games athlete, Philip Formica, and Association members will volunteer at the Games throughout the weekend. In addition, Bussani Mobility of Bethpage, which sells wheelchair accessible vehicles, handicap van conversions, and related mobility products, donated $5,000 to help Save the Games.

For more information please also visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/SavetheGames.htm.

 

Pictured, Back row: John Bussani, Bussani Mobility; Daniel J. Bussani, Bussani Mobility; Michael Spence, Bethpage High School Principal; County Executive Edward P. Mangano; Ron Abatelli, Bethpage High School Physical Education Teacher and Coach; Phillip Formica, Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged Athlete; Joe Mastanduno, Dan Zirkel; Jill Rito, Bethpage Student Civic Association advisor. Front row: Jerry Kim; Carley Okula; Samantha Luongo; Jillian Skuza; Laura Coletta; Holly Josephs; Patrick Cao. Missing from the photo are Desiree Pendleton and Simon Jambrone. Simon Jambrone, a Bethpage High School student, passed away on May 18, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer and was an important member of the project.