Sports

On Sunday, June 24, Farmingdale was once again the Wheelchair Sports Capital of the World, as wheelchair racers from every continent were on hand to celebrate the 16th annual running of the Nick Katsounis Memorial Wheelchair Championship 10 Kilometer Race.

This year's Race was won by Kurt Fearnley of Australia for the second year in a row, with David Weir of Great Britain second, and Aaron Gordian of Mexico third. Shelly Woods of Great Britain was the Women's winner. The first American finisher was Tyler Byers of Virginia in 10th place overall, and the first Long Island finisher was Jesse Walsh of Huntington, who was the 16th across the finish line in the Men's Open Division in 27:02.4.

The Wheelchair Race is the biggest racing event in the United States that is for wheelchair athletes only. It is staged by the Town of Oyster Bay and its Department of Parks in conjunction with the Greater Long Island Running Club, and the Massapequa Road Runners have always been at the forefront of Race day efforts, providing dozens of volunteers that are essential to staff the course and the finish line.

"We are thrilled to have such an exceptional field for this year's Race," observed Gerri Walsh of the Greater Long Island Running Club who serves as the overall Director of the Race. "Our congratulations to Kurt, Shelly and all the other exceptional athletes who were on hand."

The 10 Kilometer Race starts and finishes at the Town's Ellsworth Allen Park in Farmingdale, with most of the course covering the Bethpage State Parkway.

The Race is held in memory of Nick Katsounis, who was the first Director of the Race, and his lifetime of fighting for the rights of disabled individuals. The primary sponsors contributing to the success of the Race are Antun's Caterers of Queens Village, the Great Neck Law Firm of Pegalis & Erickson, Seaford Podiatrist Dr. Edward Fryman, Molly McGuire's Irish Specialty Store in Cold Spring Harbor, the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, J. Bussani Inc. Accessible Vans & Mobility of Bethpage, and Karavas Place Greek Restaurant.


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