Santa Claus stopped in to Gotham in Hauppauge today to visit with kids from the League of YES, a non-profit recreation sports league for children with physical and other disabilities.
The “Breakfast with Santa” event gave families a chance to celebrate the holidays just like any other kid.
“It’s really hard for the families to go to the mall to get their photos done because many have sensory or other issues and can’t stand in line for a long time,” says Kristine Fitzpatrick, Founder of The League of YES. “So this is a safe environment for everyone to come here and have fun and get their picture taken with Santa.”
Founded by Kristine Fitzpatrick in 2011, The League of YES’s mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for kids of all ages who live with a physical disability, helping to develop social skills and increase self-esteem, while promoting community support and sponsorship for the league.
“I can play baseball with my friends and it’s fun for me,” said Jake Kozak, of Islip Terrace, who utilizes a wheelchair and has played in the league for several years. “It’s fun for me.”
“It’s something they can’t do with their peers,” said David Kozak, Father of League of YES player Jake Kozak. “If you have a child with a disability you need to join.”
The League of YES is currently fundraising to construct a wheelchair-accessible playground for disabled children in Suffolk County. They already operate a Nassau County Field in East Meadow, inside Eisenhower Park.
The League of YES will also operate a basketball program this winter.