Averill Park in Elmont was the place to be this past Saturday as organizers for an annual Deck Hockey competition fundraiser raised funds for education and research for Breast Cancer through 1 in 9, the Breast Cancer Education Coalition. Teams from around the area participated in the fundraiser in the deck hockey competition that had a record crowd. State Senator Jack Martins, 1 in 9 Director Geri Barash, Supervisor Kate Murray, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella supported the effort.
Senator Martins lent his support to the effort and entered his own team “Martins Community Rockers” to the competition. The Martins team was made up of Elmont, Franklin Square, Floral Park and South Floral Park residents: Marvin Lee, John Havrylkoff, Franklin Thomas, Qusarn Caldwell, Wedly Saintil, Jonathan Peck, Mustapha Allanah and Justin Wilson.
“This is a fundraiser that everybody has a lot of fun and where all the proceeds go to an important and worthy cause,” said Senator Martins adding, “Education and raising awareness is a critical part in the fight against cancer. The Elmont, Franklin Square, South Floral Park and Floral Park communities should be very proud of this effort. I’m very honored to be able to be a small part of it.”
The New York Islanders were also in attendance at the event with street hockey games and the Ice Girls. Baked goods, BBQ and raffles made up a special pink tent in support of the fundraising effort.
“The hockey competitions look easy, but it’s real competitive and exciting,” said Franklin Thomas, concluding, “Everybody had a special feeling being a part of such a great cause.”
