Mangano And Nassau County Sports Commission To Hold Symposium On Preventing Sexual Abuse In Youth Sports

Educational Symposium for Youth Coaches, Trainers, Athletic Directors and Superintendents to Review Protocol for Management and Tips for Prevention

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, the Nassau County Sports Commission, sponsored by Briarcliffe College and Cohen Children’s Medical Center will host an educational symposium entitled “Recognizing and Preventing Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports” Today, April 17, 2012 in the Ceremonial Chambers of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, located at 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will feature keynote speakers that will educate the audience on the issue of sexual abuse in youth sports, how to recognize the issue, protocol for management as well as tips for prevention.

“In light of the recent scandals that have shocked the nation, it is imperative that we emphasize how important it is to have structure in place, such as leadership, policies and practical skills in youth oriented activities, to prevent and address abuse and to ensure everyone understands what to do to keep our children safe,” said County Executive Mangano. “Nassau County is committed to providing children with a safe environment, whether it is on the field, in the classroom, or around the neighborhood. It is my hope that all those who serve children will take on a responsible call to action to protect the children in youth-serving organizations and keep them safe.”

“With the recent scandals at Penn State University and Syracuse, Mr. Mangano contacted our organization and asked that we assist in educating our region on this very sensitive topic so that we can assure this will not happen in our backyard” said Dr. Gary I. Wadler, Chairman and President of the Nassau County Sports Commission.

The Nassau County Sports Commission has partnered with Safe4Athletes, the first nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping athletes protected, particularly from predatory coaches and support staffers. Safe4Athletes' mission is to ensure a safe environment for young athletes in all sports, free from the sexual abuse and harassment that have made headlines of late.Safe4Athletesis led by former Olympian Katherine Starr who will give the keynote presentation. The Symposium will also include a presentation from Isabel Barata, MD who serves as the Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at North Shore University Hospital.

The Symposium will also include a presentation from Isabel Barata, MD who serves as the Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at North Shore University Hospital.

The Nassau County Sports Commission, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization sponsored by Briarcliffe College, is dedicated to providing a healthy sports environment for the youth of Nassau County. To learn more about the Nassau County Sports Commission, please visit our website at: www.nassausports.org.