LI Women Competing In Paris Olympic Games: 'Immense Pride And Joy'

PARIS, FRANCE — Two Long Island women are competing in the Olympic Games for the first time: Halle Hazzard of Commack is representing Grenada in the 100-meter dash, while Brianna Jones of North Babylon is representing Puerto Rico in women's basketball.

Pauline Hazzard and Christina Jones, both long-time employees of Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Commack and the mothers of Hale and Brianna, are watching their daughters live their dreams, according to a news release from Gurwin.

Halle began running at 14 years old and went on to compete in meets across Long Island and New York state while attending high school at St. Anthony’s. She attended the University of Virginia and received her master’s degree at the University of Southern California in journalism, documentary and film.

Pauline, a certified nursing assistant and program assistant in Gurwin’s Social Adult Day Care Program, was happy to sacrifice to ensure Halle achieved her dreams.

"Our weekend road trips started in high school to various meets across NY State and beyond," Pauline Hazzard said in a news release. "It continued through college with track meets worldwide. As parents, we are very proud of keeping her grounded and helping her pursue her goals; we are even more proud of her staying humble while chasing her Olympic dream."

Brianna began playing basketball in the second grade and attended North Babylon High School. She then went on to graduate from Georgetown with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in sports industry management.

"It is a moment of immense pride and joy for our family to see Brianna playing for the Puerto Rican Women’s National Basketball team in the Olympics," said Christina Jones, the director of nursing at Gurwin’s nursing and rehabilitation center. "The years of training, early morning workouts, long road trips to tournaments and sacrifices she has made have culminated in this remarkable achievement. As a parent, there is no greater feeling than seeing your child realize her dreams. She is a source of inspiration for others and to young Puerto Rican women. Her journey serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication and determination, anything is possible."

In addition to having mothers as full-time employees at Gurwin, Halle and Brianna each volunteered at Gurwin while juggling their busy athletic schedules. Halle began volunteering at Gurwin in the sixth grade and would frequently visit Gurwin throughout college.

Brianna volunteered in Gurwin’s therapeutic recreation department throughout high school, helping with programs for the elderly residents in the nursing home.

"Here at Gurwin, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our team members and their families," said Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. "We are exceptionally proud of Halle and Brianna as they chase their Olympic dreams. Their dedication, hard work and excellence inspire us all. We are certainly watching and cheering Halle and Brianna on!"