For hundreds of youngsters, the official start of the Floral Park Recreation Center’s 2014 Summer Season began in a glorious fashion on Monday, June 30. Under the direction of eight sports counselors, young ladies had a wonderful time creating new routines and cheers during the week long cheerleading camp. While girls were shouting out with joy, over 140 boys participated in four divisions as part of the two week basketball camps.
Sixteen games are played daily from Monday through Thursday. A specialized program, combining instruction, half court and full court play was designed for fourth graders.
The outstanding fourth grade players for Week 1 were Daniel O’Hara, Jack Young, Magnus Monroe and Matt Connolly. During that same time slot, fifth and sixth graders play in the higher level college league. College players of the week were Thomas Steck, Brendan Ferguson and Matt Rettinger.
At 10 a.m., 7th through 11th-grade boys play in their own leagues.
Once again, a separate league (World Division) was designed for seventh graders and the more advanced players had a great time in the NBA league. Top players in the World League are Emmett Lally and Stephen Sommo and stars in the NBA are Nick Bonomo and Steve “The Birdman” Tursi. The first Championship Thursday of the summer is set for July 10. Parents are invited to attend the finals of the four divisions with high school and college games at 9:20 a.m. and World and NBA set for 10:50 a.m.
One of the traditions of the Floral Park Recreation’s summer programs is the selection of a Camper of the Week. The camper is selected by the eight sports counselors and is cited for outstanding sportsmanship and cooperation with fellow campers.
The Week I awards go to Jody Niles and Declan O’Hara.
Tennis campers for Week I enjoyed a wide range of instructional drills, skill development and games. Players of note for Week 1 were Cassidy Stone and Tara Tam. Teen tennis got off to a fine start with Jackie Tam and Gillian Demetriou displaying excellent skills during drills and matches. Limited openings remain for both the teen tennis and the 1 p.m. youth tennis programs.
Also on the tennis front, the third mini-tournament (Blueberry) of the season is slated for Saturday, July 12. All residents are invited to play in a four-game, mini-round of doubles play. Each player competes in four mini-sets. Fee for the one day tournament is $5 with registration at 8 a.m. and play starting at 8:15 a.m.
Some of the summer programs still have limited openings. For the full-day and tennis camps, interested residents may call for complete details. Also, pool membership is open throughout the summer months.
Residents are reminded that bicycles, smoking, and musical devices, and pets are not allowed in the playground at any time. A 2014-15 Floral Park Village Leisure pass or a 2014 Floral Park Pool Pass is required at upon request and for entrance into Tiny Town, play on the basketball and tennis courts. Applications and leisure pass pick up are being done the park’s shelter house.
— Submitted by John Michon
