The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions (CL) will be participating in the 11th Annual Business Cares for Kids Sports Festival, for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Cantaigue Park in Hicksville. The Golden Lions returns to this year's Sports Festival (SF) as defending softball champs. This will be the team's eighth straight appearance in this charity event.

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, a not-for-profit charity, provides a temporary lodging facility for seriously ill children and their families who must travel to Schneider Children's Hospital for urgently needed medical care. Since opening its door in 1986, the RMH has served over 8,700 families. Recently, the house opened a new four-story wing, which has doubled the size of the facilities.

Each year, the Sports Festival is opened to the public and has various events throughout the day for both children and adults, including a magic show performed by Ronald McDonald, face painting, rides, a barbecue lunch, raffles, sports memorabilia auctions, and a Walk-A-Thon. In addition, the U.S. Tennis Association conducts free clinics and there are miniature golf, volleyball, and softball tournament.

The 16-team co-ed softball tournament is the centerpiece of the festival. Teams gather for a day of fun and to participate in the largest charity softball event on Long Island. The tournament features both competitive teams and teams looking to have fun while raising money for a worthy cause. In addition, teams that lose in the opening round are invited to participate in the conciliation round. To register your team or to find out information about any Sports Festival event, one may call Kathy Bihn at 775-5683.

Columbus Lodge will try and become the first team to successfully defend their softball title. To accomplish this feat they will face new challenges from Computer Network Solutions and LIPA, along with obstacles from perennial contenders AXA Advisors (this year's event sponsor) and FALA Direct Marketing. The Lions return with a tenacious defense that refuses to allow a free pass and a veteran lineup that is formidable and potent.

Outfielders Jeff Steinberg and Dennis Tranchina are the Golden Lions most imposing hitters. Steinberg is the team's premium left-handed run producer and was instrumental in last season's championship, leading the tournament in RBIs (16). Over the past three seasons, the right-handed hitting Tranchina has batted .707 with a 1.362 slugging percentage; second only to Steinberg's 1.528. Their presence in the middle of the lineup is lethal.

First baseman Ed Bochynski and outfielder Dave Saviano return for their Eighth Sports Festival. Bochynski, who batted .778 during the final three rounds of last year's event, provides intangible contributions by blending various personalities into one cohesive unit. A year ago, Dave Saviano collected four hits in the title game and led the team with 12-runs. For over a decade, these men have set the Columbus Lodge standard for reliability and consistency.

While chasing down a fly ball during last year's semi-final game leftfielder Ron 'Gondo' Gandolfo injured his wrist against the fence. Ron made the catch and continued to play through the injury. Despite pain while gripping his bat, Gondo cuffed 3-hits in the championship round, including a double and triple. Always a threat to hit the long ball, Gondo thumped three homeruns in the opening round game of the 2003 Sports Festival. This will be his sixth SF appearance.

Massapequa's Joe Percella, who has amassed a .704 on-base-percentage during his previous SF appearances, is a terrific shortstop with a strong arm and great range defensively. Making their Sports Festival debut are pitcher Mookie Castillo and outfielder Frank Battista. Both made an impact at last November's ABA Turkey Shoot Out. Castillo pitched a pair of wins for the Lions while Battista batted a solid .642 with four homeruns. Coaching the sidelines will be Pete Gisonda and Ray Colucci.

Returning Lionesses are Julie Janas, who smacked 3-hits in the last year's title wining game, and Gina Nonenaker, who batted .600 in the 2003. Making their debut for the Golden Lions are Jackie Pasquerella, also known as the "Spiderwoman" because of her reaction time at third base, and Carri "Lightning" Leto, a feared clutch hitter with good game sense. Also joining the Lions will be former collegiate All-American Alicia Smith. This may be CL's strongest lineup of women players.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions is a competitive softball team dedicated to community service through softball fund-raising events. Since the team's inception, their participation in such events has helped raise over $622,000 for various Long Island charities. To become a member of Columbus Lodge, a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.