The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 softball committee announced that Golden Lions will return to Cantiague Park, in Hicksville, on June 21 to defend their championship title at the Sixth Annual Arthritis Foundation Softball Challenge. Teams interested in participating may contact special events coordinator Julie Viniotis at (631) 427-8272 for more information.

In addition to team sponsorship, the Arthritis Foundation (AF) is accepting T-shirt and event sponsorships. Among the sponsors already committed are Avanti Pharmaceuticals, KPMG, LIVA, Olympus USA, State Bank and Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143. Once again, the men in blue from the Nassau County American Softball Association Umpires will call balls and strikes.

The tournament's origin began over six years ago when Ed Bochynski, a director at the North Shore-LIJ Health System, approached the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation about holding the annual fundraising softball tournament. Each year, the event is held to raise money for the AF and to raise public awareness about the dangers of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating, progressive autoimmune disease can spread beyond the joints to other organs and gradually leaves the victim more and more debilitated. According to the Center for Disease Control over 70 million Americans and over 700,000 Long Islanders suffer from some form of arthritis.

"Arthritis is the type of disease that not only affects its victim but also the family and friends who watch as the disease leaves their loved one crippled with pain and, at times, wheelchair-bound," said Ed Bochynski, chairman of this year's event.

Juvenile arthritis, which is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in one or more joints that affects children under the age of 16, has increased dramatically in the United States. Recently, the Arthritis Foundation awarded a $450,000 grant to Dr. Beth Gottlieb, a pediatrician at Schneider Children's Hospital, to conduct a study of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The study will examine the effectiveness of new drugs.

According to Patrick McAsey, president of the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, early detection is important. "Go to your doctor," said McAsey. "Most doctors are able to identify arthritis." Currently, the Arthritis Foundation has education programs, referral programs, exercise programs, support groups, literature and a free one-hour monthly meeting.

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve the quality of life for victims who suffer from the disease by working toward improved medical care, providing collective and individual advocacy and providing educational support. The AF is the only national, voluntary health organization seeking to help find cures, prevention and treatments for the more than 100 forms of arthritis.

At last year's softball tournament, the Columbus Lodge #2143 defeated KPMG, 16-4, to capture their first AFSC title since 1999. Over the years, the two teams have met four times, at various charity softball events, with both teams winning twice. "Beating KPMG would be even more pleasurable this year," said Lions outfielder Jeff Steinberg. On June 21, the Lions will look to repeat as tournament champions.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 is a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. To become a member of this organization, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.