On Saturday, March 5, as 48 enthusiastic martial artists and their family and friends gathered at the Atlantic Steamer Fire Department to launch the 12th Annual OBEN PAL Martial Arts Kick-A-Thon.
The Kick-A-Thon, originally started by Project Action, is designed to raise money for children who want to participate in the martial arts program, but have limited economic resources. The funds raised from this event go toward providing those students in need with the opportunity to be involved in the martial arts program. Involvement in the martial arts keeps children active, physically fit, and involved in an activity that provides focus, discipline, and positive peer role-model relationships.
Sifu Andrew Hall, head instructor of the program said, “The kids are very community-oriented and embrace the idea of helping others. I am very proud of the students for this amazing achievement.”
The martial artists began kicking at 4 p.m. and continued for one hour, recording a record-breaking 144,514 kicks and raising $3,964 for the scholarship fund. Thanks to the efforts of the event organizers, Jordan Masiakos, Sue Lopez, Lorraine DiFiglia, Bernice Paone, Tom Fletcher, Colleen Sabatello, Lisi Viesta, and Barbara Panariello and the generosity of program families and local merchants, Oyster Bay Stop and Shop, Martin Viette Nursery, martial arts equipment supplier, Gary Mar of Eastern Martial Arts Supplies in Massapequa, Dodds & Eder, Christina’s Epicure, Ralph Rotten’s, Taby’s, Angel Tips, The Carlton at Eisenhower Park, Major’s Steak House, Messina Market, Optics by Steven Michael, La Bonne Boulangerie, East Norwich Dry Cleaners, and Station Plaza Veterinary Group in Glen Head, the Kick-A-Thon was a tremendous success.
Also, a big “thank you” goes to Chief Ty Jimenez and members of the Atlantic Steamer Fire Department for their continued support each year. Special thanks to all of the children and families of the OBEN PAL Martial Arts program who have supported the program in the OBEN community over the years.
