"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that Nassau County will join the Friends of the Games to host a fundraiser to benefit the 2012 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at BK Sweeney’s Parkside Tavern in Bethpage. The benefit, which runs from 9:00am to 11:00am, include a Chinese auction featuring a variety of gift baskets and other prizes. Admission is $40 per person.

The 2012 Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged will take place from May 31st through June 2nd 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 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged are successful because of the dedication of parents, families, teachers, coaches and volunteers,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano. “Operating with a small staff, the Games are facilitated by those who lovingly return year after year. I invite everyone to attend this very special fundraiser and donate to help keep the Games going. I also encourage everyone to come out and cheer them on at our Opening Ceremonies, and throughout the weekend of competition.”

In its 28th year of competition, the Games will take place in part due to contributions from King Kullen—America’s First Supermarket— who has been a long-time sponsor of helping to feed the athletes, while Hofstra University has committed to housing the athletes with only minimal costs for maintenance. Nassau Community College is the venue hosting swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis events as well as the closing ceremonies. Nassau University Medical Center has shown their support byproviding medical assistance with staff and volunteers in the past and will continue in 2012.

Mangano To Host Fundraiser To Benefit 2012 Empire State Games For The Physically Challenged