A team of 17 Mineola School District students recently participated in the annual Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged held at Mitchel Field. Referred to as the Victory Challenge, students were teamed with a buddy and participated in various track and field challenges such as discus throwing, 400-meter races and distance kick.
Participating for more than 12 years, this year marked the biggest showing of supporters for the Mineola team, which is coached by district physical therapist Dana Franklin and occupational therapist Tara Lynch.
“I think the parents really value the event and they want to see their student participate,” Lynch said. “We’ve had really great parent involvement every year. It’s a great day for the students and their families.”
Although the full event is three days long, Mineola participates only in the Friday portion. Each team member participates in five different field events throughout the day and has the opportunity to earn first through fifth place for each one. There is no fee to the students or district for participation in the event.
