Farmingdale's own Bob Cook recently received a special service award from the organizers of the annual Friendship Games in recognition of his generous support for running and other athletic programs, with special emphasis on all that he has done for Nassau County high school track and cross country programs. The award was presented at the Jan. 19 finale of the Friendship Games at Nassau Community College.

Cook, who is the proprietor of the Runner's Edge in Farmingdale and a proud member of the Greater Long Island Running Club, is a compassionate human being and a businessman with a heart as big as they come. Contributing his time, energy and resources is part of a philosophy that sets him apart and makes his store more than just a place that sells shoes. Working with Nike, Cook arranged for the distribution of more than 500 track spiked shoes to high school runners who might otherwise have been unable to afford them. He offers discounts and seasonal specials to high school team runners, is a major sponsor of Long Island Track & Field's summer track and field meet series, and hosts several Sunday "bagel runs" from the store that draws hundreds of participants.

The Friendship Games are held annually in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in hopes that the young people who participate in the games - and everyone who supports - will keep the positiveness of Dr. King's life to follow as a role model. Bob Cook's good works are very much in the spirit of Dr. King.