Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman, Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and Legislators Samatha Goetz and John Ferretti joined student athletes from the Henry Viscardi Center to announce the 2025 Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged, taking place Friday, May 30- Saturday, May 31, at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex and Nassau Community College.
Competitors travel from throughout New York State to Nassau County to participate in a weekend of fun athletic events alongside friends and family. There is great excitement surrounding the 39th Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged.
New York State funding was eliminated for the Games several years ago, and the office of the Nassau County Executive, with the help of private sector sponsors, has kept the Games alive.
“Each year, I’m truly inspired by the remarkable athletes who compete in the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. It’s a sight to behold,” said County Executive Blakeman. “I invite all Nassau Residents to join me at Mitchel Field on May 30th and May 31st to witness these incredible athletes in action and enjoy the festivities. I would also like to thank our generous sponsors who have allowed us to keep the Games alive here in Nassau County.”
Athletes will compete in track & field, slalom, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and table tennis. Participants, ranging from ages 5 to 21, face disabilities and conditions like blindness, visual impairment, deafness, hearing impairment, spinal cord injury, loss of limb, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, and other physical challenges.
In its 39th year, the Games will take place, in part, due to contributions from King Kullen - America’s First Supermarket - which has been a long-time sponsor that helps feed the athletes. Hofstra University has committed to housing the athletes with only minimal maintenance costs. Nassau Community College is the venue that will host the swimming, wheelchair basketball, and table tennis events. The Nassau County Department of Health and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will once again work to provide on-site medical care and response during the games. NICE Bus will provide shuttle bus service for participants.
The cost of participation is free, and the number of athletes increases every year; this year’s games will include over 1,200 participants. The dedication brought forth by volunteers and the athletes’ parents, families, teachers, and coaches is critical to the success of the Games.
Operating with a small staff, the Games are facilitated by those who return year after year to a program they love.
For more information, please visit the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged website at www.nassaucountypcgames.com.
Statements in Support of the 2025 Games
"This year, the Games for the Physically Challenged will be celebrating its 39th Anniversary! Nassau County has been the home of the first program of its kind in the nation. The Games would not be possible without the support of Nassau County, the local community, and the many volunteers who come out every year to cheer on our Star Athletes, who inspire us! The Games are an opportunity to celebrate our talented, diverse athletes who never cease to amaze us. Congrats to All!" Susan Gordon Ryan, Founder and former Director.
“To host the press conference for the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged for the third straight year is an honor for our Viscardi community. Athletes from the Henry Viscardi School have participated in the Games since their inception,” said Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center. “Our students work hard preparing to compete alongside their peers in a variety of sporting events, from track and field to basketball to swimming. We wish all the athletes competing in this opportunity to showcase inclusive, adapted sports the best of luck.”
“At Nassau Community College, we strive to build bridges to higher education. The College offers diverse programs in support of local residents with intellectual and physical challenges, including participation in the Inclusive Higher Education (IHE) project with our partner, the Viscardi School. NCC also educates students for careers in the field of disability support services by offering the Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Disability Studies and the microcredential in Direct Support Professional. Together, let us champion diversity, empower one another, and strive for a future where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead fulfilling lives.” – Dr. Maria P. Conzatti ’86, Chief Administrative Officer
“This Long Island tradition supports equity and inclusion in sports so that all students can compete and have fun,” said Hofstra President Susan Poser. “Hofstra is honored to continue its longstanding support of these Games and looks forward to welcoming the athletes and their families to campus this summer.”
“What an honor it is for the King Kullen Family to continue the tradition of being a sponsor for the Games. We look forward to attending and watching real heroes competing for the gold. Best wishes for a successful day for all participating athletes,” said Bernard Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc.
“Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation and Elias Properties are proud to be a long-time sponsor of the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. It is so gratifying to see how enthused and excited all the athletes are each year as participants in these games. The games truly make a significant difference in their lives, and we are very happy to help support the Games,” said Martin Elias.
“The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Long Island is honored to continue our support of the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged,” said Brian O’Keefe, President. “We look forward to seeing all of these great athletes compete at the 2024 Games. We can’t wait to see the Games begin on June 1st!”
“PSEG Long Island is a proud bronze sponsor of the Games for the Physically Challenged, and we’re excited to once again help fans celebrate their favorite athletes with our popular ‘cheer’ signs,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island interim president and COO. “Participants can come by our table at the event and make up ‘cheer’ signs to take with them to support their favorite athletes on the fields, track, courts, and in the indoor events.”
"NICE Bus is delighted to continue its 14-year association with the Games for the Physically Challenged," remarked Jack Khzouz, CEO of Transdev/NICE Bus. "We are pleased to serve as both a financial sponsor and the dedicated transportation provider for all participating athletes and their caregivers. Our employees consistently look forward to their involvement in this annual meaningful event."
“FourLeaf Federal Credit Union is pleased to sponsor the 2025 Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. We are happy to be a part of an event that showcases both the talent and willpower of these amazing athletes. We offer our congratulations to all of the participants and look forward to cheering them on as they pursue their goals,” said Linda Armyn, President & CEO.
"We at the Theresa Foundation are thrilled to continue our support for the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. Supporting the Nassau Games aligns perfectly with our mission to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs. Seeing the athletes' determination and joy is truly inspiring.”
"Trainville Hobby Depot is pleased to have raised $4,207 at this season's Nassau County Model Train Show to benefit the Games for the Physically Challenged. We look forward to joining with County Executive Bruce Blakeman to hold this event once again on President's Weekend during February 2026.”
“The Dee Foundation is so pleased to see the 2025 Games for the Physically Challenged are happening again, and we’re thrilled to be a sponsor of the track and field event,” said Jim Macri, Board Member of the Dee Foundation. “Good luck to all the athletes and have fun seeing old friends and making new acquaintances!!”
“Once again, UBS is pleased and proud to sponsor this wonderful event,” said John Houlihan, Managing Director-Regional Market Director, Northeast Region from UBS. “Our employee volunteers feel very fortunate to be right alongside the athletes as they compete – the performances displayed never cease to inspire us. This is one of our favorite community events, and we are honored to be a part of it."
“Henry Schein is delighted to once again sponsor the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged,” said Natalie Ryan, Manager of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs at Henry Schein. “Joining the Nassau County community, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and our fellow sponsors to help continue the spirit and tradition of this event aligns with our belief in empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive and be healthy. Best of luck to all the athletes in this year’s games!”
“The New York Islanders are once again proud to support the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. The games offer youth the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities adapted to their unique abilities. These games bring not only hope but joy to all the athletes participating. We look forward to participating in this great sporting event.“ - Ann Rina, Executive Director Community Relations for the New York Islanders.
“At HOPEFitness our core value is that everybody deserves the right to partake in a program that addresses their health and fitness goals; and to create a healthy lifestyle, be a valued member of a team, and use sports and fitness as a conduit to explore his or her potential.”, said H. L. Greenberg, CEO and Founder. “We are proud to sponsor a program that fits into our same vision. Making Fitness Accessible for ALL Abilities.”
“It is a great pleasure to support this event as we look forward to celebrating 39 years at the 2025 Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged. For decades, the Bussani Family has been impacted by the smiling faces, determination, and hard work of the athletes," said Daniel Bussani, CEO, The Bussani Mobility Team. "The athletes are an incredible inspiration to so many well beyond the disabled community. For that, the Bussani family says best of luck and congratulations! We can't wait to see those medals!"
“Rivkin Radler is proud to support the Nassau County Games for the Physically Challenged,” said Rivkin Radler Managing Partner Evan H. Krinick. “Each year, the participating athletes demonstrate courage and commitment.”
Credit: Nassau County Press Release