Mangano To Host Celebration To Benefit The Games For The Physically Challenged

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano will host a celebration honoring Peter Zarba to benefit the Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged Thursday, May 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh.

“Peter Zarba, who passed away this year, loved the Games and the disabled children who compete. A Paralympian himself, he ran the table tennis event at the Games each year since 1985,” said County Executive Mangano. “The event will not only celebrate Peter Zarba’s memory, but it will benefit the children who participate in the Games for the Physically Challenged, an event that Peter held close to his heart.”

The celebration will include entertainment by Killer Joe and the Lido Soul Review and food for a $50 donation that includes one door prize ticket. There will also be raffles including hotel stays, Yankee tickets, golf packages and much more.

Nassau County will be hosting the Games for its third consecutive year. 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 range in age from ages 5 to 21 and have disabilities including blindness, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, spinal cord injured, amputees and those who have cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other physical disabilities.

The cost of participation in the Games is free and the numbers of athletes increase each year, boasting more 1,000. The dedication of the parents, families, teachers, coaches and volunteers are critical to the success of the Games. Operating with a small staff, the Games are facilitated by those who return year after year to a program they love.

For ticket reservations or to donate a raffle prize for the event, please contact Angela Melledy by phone at: (516) 932-8654 or by email at: ableangela@aol.com.