Now that the SCA Saturday Series fall program is under way, we would like to give a big thank you to everyone who helped make the pilot adaptive sports program a reality. The Skill-n-Drills Bootcamp is a sports program that teaches basic sports skills like dribbling, shooting, throwing, catching, and kicking to children with special needs in a non-competitive environment with the extra support they may need. For some it means slowing down the instruction and using more visual support and less words, for others it means just fewer kids in the group and an additional coach or assistant to redirect and encourage the child to try independently, while helping them separate from their parent.

We wish to thank some of the people who were so instrumental in bringing forth this new venture. Shelter Rock Elementary principal Robert Geczik for all his effort and suggestions. We are grateful you have opened your school to host our program.

The SCA, and president Sandy Demitroff especially for helping us service the needs of an underserved group of our community while helping to raise awareness and build sensitivity from the general population. Living and growing together in Manhasset for all families has been a bit easier because of your example of understanding and acceptance.

Karen Corcoran who heads the Saturday Series, for all her help and guidance from the time we brought the idea in until the first day of the program. We look forward to working with you again in the future as we continue to facilitate innovative programs for the special needs children of Manhasset.

Lastly, thank you to all the Manhasset community, including generous residents, local businesses and organizations, who help fund and support this effort through advertising and sales of the district's new pocket calendar. With more staff needed to support the children, the fundraiser monies supplemented the additional cost of the program so it was available to parents at the same price as all other Saturday Series classes. Your kind generosity is greatly appreciated and we look forward to your continued support with the sales next year.

Andrea Costello and Ann Marie Moschitta

Co-vice presidents, Manhasset SEPTA