EPVA sponsored P.S. 107’s…
The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association as well as students who participated in the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, were honored at the Special Awards Assembly at Public School 107 in Flushing on June 17.
EPVA sponsored P.S. 107’s team for the Physically Challenged by providing the funds needed to purchase the bright yellow uniforms the athletes and their support team wore at the games.
Leading the assembly was Jane Turetzky, Special Education Coordinator at P.S. 107. She praised all who participated and “gave it their all” during the Empire State Games.
A video montage and slide show featuring participants engaged in various events at the games was shown to the packed auditorium. Students, faculty and family exploded in applause whenever athletes appeared on the big screen mounted in front of the auditorium.
After the show, Turetzky introduced EPVA’s Mike Wheaton, director of public affairs and Bill Hannigan, associate director of hospital services, who distributed gold medals to the 46 athletes who proudly made their way down the center aisle to the cheers of the audience.
The Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged was a three-day event held at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, Long Island from May 30-June 2.
More than 1,100 athletes participated in Olympic style competition that included track & field, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair slalom, equestrian events and archery competition.
Fitness training workshops and adaptive sports demonstrations such as beep baseball and rock climbing were held throughout the weekend as well.
The event, open to all youth with physical challenges who are New York residents, is free to the athletes and spectators. It is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and sponsored by the New York Lottery.
P.S. 107, 167-02 45th Ave., is the only barrier-free elementary school with an elevator in District 25. Its unit for Children with Special Needs is a truly unique program since it allows for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, other birth defects and health impairments to be mainstreamed into regular education classes according to their academic abilities. These children, who range in age from five to 13, also receive physical, occupational and speech therapy at the school.
