Last month, the Garden City Village Board of Trustees opened their latest meeting by giving citations to Al Vanasco, president of the Garden City Athletic Association (GCAA), and his fellow longtime member Lee Cook. They were given recognition for all the work the two have done for the community by way of the GCAA. And while this work is laudable, even more impressive is the Challenger League the duo helped put together 25 years ago. The purpose for this league is to give kids from the ages of 6 to 21 that have mental and physical handicaps a shot at having the special experience of being part of a team. Given the life-building benefits that come with being involved in team sports—dedication, determination, teamwork, sportsmanship and comradeship—it’s heartwarming to see Vanasco and Cook putting kids in a position to reap these benefits.
– Dave Gil de Rubio
