Shannon Mangini and Samantha Trapasso, both fifth graders at Stratford School played in the 2003 PONY National Tournament of Champions, held in Sterling Virginia, July 20 through July 26.

Opening ceremonies began Sunday, July 20 at Franklin Park in Purcellville, Virginia and play began on Wednesday, July 23, continuing into late Saturday, July 26.

Samantha and Shannon play for the BP Allstars, a softball travel team, which is comprised of girls from Long Island as well as the Bronx and New Jersey. Their team earned the right to play in the Nationals by winning the tournament held in Chelmsford, MA the weekend of May 17. They were also assured a spot in the Nationals by finishing third in the tournament held the weekend of May 30 in Deptford, New Jersey, which was unfortunately cut short due to rain.