Local Special Needs Flag Football Team Ends Fall Season on Big Stage

The Nassau County Police Activity League's (PAL) Special Needs Unit flag football team, which plays throughout the fall at in Seaford, ended the 2011 season in grand style with a game against the Kappa Sigma Fraternity of Adelphi University.

The game under the lights on Adelphi University's Motamed Field in Garden City this past Monday evening marked the first time the PAL Special Needs Unit players got to suit up against an opposing team after previously holding scrimmages against each other at Cedar Creek Park. The PAL players posted an impressive 26-25 victory against the speedy fraternity squad.

A Newsday video on the game that includes an interview with one of the local players, Chris Garske of Wantagh, can be viewed by clicking here.

The local special needs flag football program was formed four years ago by Nassau County PAL coaches and board members Harvey Pollack and Frank  Simeone. The  program has  grown  to  22  players between the ages of 14-28 who meet on Saturdays in the fall and spring at Cedar Creek Park.

"Over  the  years  the  boys  have  gone  from  not  knowing  what  a  line  of  scrimmage  was,  to  running  reverses  and  halfback  option  plays," Pollack said. "Two  boys  who  started  playing  with  us  actually   moved  on  to  their  school  teams  in  the  junior  varsity  division."

Seaford resident Roberta Grogan's son Matt plays flag football for the Nassau County PAL Special Needs Unit and she is grateful for the opportunity he has been provided through the unique athletic program.

"It is hard to put into words what this program has come to mean to our family," Grogan said. "As Nassau County residents and taxpayers, we are deeply appreciative of Nassau County Police Department and their continued support of the Police Activity League and the Special Needs Unit."

Grogan was also appreciative to the Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers for taking time to play against her son's team and the way they conducted themselves on and off the field Monday night.

"The pure joy and elation on the face of every player on that field and every parent, family member or friend in the stands was just a precious, precious gift," she said. "As a parent, I am so grateful to the gentlemen from Adelphi, for the sportsmanship and inspiration they gave our sons. It too was of immeasurable value, and will stand the test of time."