Board Recognizes GCAA Leaders

Mayor John Watras, on behalf of the entire village board, took a moment at the start of Thursday's board meeting to recognize Al Vanasco and Lee Cook for their long-time involvement with the Garden City Athletic Association (GCAA), particularly a program within the organization that provides athletic opportunities to children ages 6-21 with mental and physical handicaps.

"We were so taken aback by the work that you gentlemen have done with the Challenger League, which is now involved in baseball, lacrosse, basketball ... it's just absolutely phenomenal. We have teams from all over Long Island that come to Garden City. The two of you guys have been together for 28 years now and it's just amazing ... It's iconic what you guys have done," Watras said.

Vanasco, who has served as president of the organization for nearly 30 years, began the Garden City Athletic Association Challenger Program 25 years ago.

"[The kids] deserve a lot and these gentlemen and their associates give a lot," Watras added after presenting both gentlemen with their citations.

Last weekend, the GCAA Challenger lacrosse team took part in the Jay Gallagher Memorial Tournament. This team began three years ago when several kids with special needs wanted to play lacrosse and wanted to be part of a team.

"Al, without hesitating, said that he was happy to help and made these kids part of the Garden City sports family," Watras said in this week's Mayor's Message. "He got them into the Jay Gallagher Memorial Tournament, because the kids felt that anyone can play lacrosse, but they felt as if they become a lacrosse player when they play in a 'real' lacrosse tournament."

For more information on the GCAA and the Challenger Program, visit www.gc-aa.com.