MANGANO ANNOUNCES 2017 NASSAU COUNTY EMPIRE STATE GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today
announced plans for the 2017 Nassau County Empire State Games
for the Physically Challenged, which takes place from June 1st
through June 3rd at Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau
Community College. New York State funding was eliminated for
the Games several years ago and the Mangano administration,
with the help of private sector sponsors, has kept the Games
alive.

County Executive Mangano stated, “The young student athletes
who participate in the Nassau County Empire State Games for the
Physically Challenged are truly inspirational to watch. As they
cross the finish line, you see the smiles on their faces and
tears of joy in their eyes. Thanks to the support of generous
sponsors, these wonderful children have the ability to compete
with their friends from across the State, share their stories
and build friendships that will last a lifetime.”

With the generous support of corporations such as Elias
Properties, GEICO and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick,
athletes will compete in track, field, slalom, archery,
swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. Participants,
ranging from ages 5 to 21, face disabilities including
blindness, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, spinal
cord injured, amputees and those who have cerebral palsy,
dwarfism and other physical challenges.

In its 33rd year, the Games will take place in part due to
contributions from King Kullen – America’s First Supermarket –
who has been a long-time sponsor helping to feed the athletes,
while Hofstra University has committed to housing the athletes
with only minimal costs for maintenance. Nassau Community
College is the venue hosting swimming, wheelchair basketball
and table tennis events as well as the closing ceremonies. The
Nassau County Department of Health and Medical Reserve Corp
volunteers will once again work to provide onsite medical care
and response during the games. In addition, NICE Bus will
provide shuttle bus service for participants. Sponsors also
include: The Dee Foundation; The Bussani Mobility Team;
C.U.R.B.; Westbury Shake Shack; UBS; Trainville Hobby Depot;
the New York Islanders; and Able Newspaper.

The cost of participation is free and the numbers of athletes
increase each year, boasting over 1,000. The dedication brought
forth by the parents, families, teachers, coaches and
volunteers are critical to the success of the Games. Operating
with a small staff, the Games are facilitated by those who
return year after year to a program they love. For more
information, please visit Nassau County Empire State Games for
the Physically Challenged website at
www.nassaucountypcgames.com.
STATEMENTS IN SUPPORT FROM SPONSORS OF THE GAMES:

“The Games for the Physically Challenged offer an opportunity
for our entire community to come together to celebrate student
athletes who embody the values of diversity, tenacity and
resilience,” said Hofstra University President Stuart
Rabinowitz. “We are honored to be a part of such an inspiring
New York state tradition.”

“Once again, Nassau Community College shares pride of place in
hosting the Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically
Challenged. We are so honored to be the host venue for these
athletes who serve as such an inspiration to us all, and
demonstrate the best of the human spirit. We are humbled by
their presence, and encouraged by their indomitable spirit,”
added Dr. W. Hubert Keen, President, Nassau Community College.

“King Kullen has been honored to be part of this very special
event year after year. Everyone involved in the Empire State
Games goes above & beyond to make this event more amazing
each year. Good luck to all the athletes on all their
dedication & hard work,” said Frank Vassallo, Director of
Store Operations for King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc.

Martin Elias from the Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation
and Elias Properties stated, “We are proud to sponsor the
Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged.
It is so gratifying to see how enthused and excited all the
athletes are each year as participants in these games. The
games truly make a difference in their lives and we are very
happy to support the 2017 Games.”

“The Society is honored to be a part of such a rich tradition
of support for such a worthy cause,” said Dermot Kelly, of The
Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s of Long Island.
“We all look forward to watching and cheering on all the
athletes from far and wide.”

John Powers, President of The Society of the Friendly Sons,
remarked, “The Friendly Sons are happy to continue support for
the 2017 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged with
our Honoree Lora Webster and thanks Nassau County for
continuing to host the Games.”

“NICE is an integral part of the Long Island community. Our
1,000 employees step up each day to help people live their
lives productively. Having a chance to participate with the
outstanding individuals that support and compete in the games
is a must-do for us and we are thrilled to be part of it,” said
Michael Setzer, CEO of NICE.

“The Dee Foundation is very proud to sponsor the games again
this year. Our sister truly enjoyed all aspects of this
wonderful event. The Games are not just for the athletes, but
for all the people who surround them,” said Jim Macri, Board
Member of the Dee Foundation. “It gives families and friends an
opportunity to celebrate the challenges and triumphs of all the
competitors.”

“The next generation of Bussani looks forward to supporting the
games as we have done for decades. Our congratulations go out
to the athletes and wish them all well,” said Daniel Bussani,
CEO of The Bussani Mobility Team. “Keep up the inspiring hard
work. We can’t wait to see those medals!”

Citizens United to Remove Barriers President Rich Papetti
added, “C.U.R.B. is proud to continue our sponsorship of the
games. Our mission includes removal of barriers which prevent
participation in community life for health, social or
recreational purposes and the Nassau games are the embodiment
of our goals.”

“We’re thrilled to be a sponsor of the 2017 Games,” said
Westbury Shake Shack General Manager Andrew Trinchitella.
“Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good and
supporting such an awesome event is a natural extension of our
core values. We can’t wait to cheer on all of the
participants!”

“UBS is pleased and proud to sponsor this great event,” said
John Houlihan, the Long Island Market Head from UBS. “It is
really fulfilling for our employees to volunteer here. Seeing
the courage and joy the participants bring to the competition
is truly inspiring.”

“Trainville Hobby Depot will be continuing our fundraising
efforts by hosting our 5th Model Train Show to benefit the
Games on November 18th and 19th at the Bethpage Senior
Community Center located at 103 Grumman Road West in Bethpage
from 11am to 4 pm. The prior shows have raised approximately
$16,000 for the Games,” said Joel Berse of Trainville Hobby
Depot.

“The New York Islanders are once again proud to support the
Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged.
The games offer youth the opportunity to participate in sports
and recreational activities adapted to their unique abilities.
These games bring not only hope but joy to all the athletes
participating. We look forward to participating in this great
sporting event,” remarked Ann Rina, Community Relations
Director for the New York Islanders.

“I am eternally grateful to Nassau County for keeping these
Games alive for the children who look forward to the experience
each year. It is the one place where they are the norm and it
is a wonderful event for all involved,” stated Angela Melledy,
Publisher of Able Newspaper.

“It is wonderful that the Games will be celebrating their 33rd
Anniversary this year. They have a long and very positive
history for the athletes, which could not have happened without
the support of Nassau County and New York State and of course
the commitment of the Committee Heads, Volunteers and Coaches
for all these years,” concluded Susan Gordon Ryan, Founder and
former Director.