Nassau County Police Activity League Special Needs Unit hosted the recent Special Olympics New York Basketball Tournament held at Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center home of Nassau County PAL (NCPAL). Thirteen basketball teams, each with up to ten players, participated in the games. NCPAL-
Special Needs Unit Knights; NCPAL New Hyde Park Knights; SCO Owls; Commack Sharks; Long Island Lions: ACDS Thunderbolts, AHRC Starz and for the first time the Oakville Skywalkers, a Canadian team, competed on the court to demonstrate their skill and spirit of sportsmanship. After the games gold, silver and bronze medals and ribbons were awarded to each of the players.
“This was the sixth time Nassau County PAL participated in the Long Island Region of Special Olympics New York basketball program and the fourth time it has hosted the tournament,” said Harvey Pollack, NCPAL Trustee Special Needs Unit. “The facilities in Hicksville were ideal for all the special needs players taking part in the games. It was a fun-filled day for us all.”
The morning opening ceremony began with Special Needs Athletes, T. J. Timmons with a color guard, singing the Star Spangled Banner. The Master of Ceremonies declared the games open after the athletes recited the Special Olympics Creed: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“It’s a place to be amongst their peers, be treated like equals and really get out there and show people what they are capable of doing and focusing on their ability and not their disability,” Special Olympics New York Regional Director Diane Colonna said.
The Special Needs Unit of the Nassau County Police Activity League serves children ages 5 and up with varying disabilities. Sport, recreation and socialization activities provide for children who have difficulty fitting into typical sports programs. The primary goal is to develop physical, mental and social skills allowing the children to gain confidence and self-esteem to enable them to reach their maximum potential.
For volunteer opportunities or to learn more about NCPAL programs for boys and girls, visit www.nassaucountypal.org; www.specialneedspal.org and www.facebook.com/
