Members of the Sons of Italy - Columbus Lodge No. 2143 will join with other sons of Italy lodges throughout the Long Island area in the Nassau County Special Olympics-2000 Fall games which will be held at Hofstra University on Oct. 15, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Olympians will compete in various sporting events including softball, soccer, volleyball, hockey and a skill's competition. Each year the Nassau County Special Olympics run a spring and fall event. For the past three years, under the direction of Special Olympics Event Chairman Armond Vella and Columbus Lodge Vice President Tony Ragno, the So. Farmingdale-based Lodge and other OSIA Lodges assists in the event.

According to Mr. Vella scorekeepers, officials, and servers of lunch are needed. If more information on volunteering your services to this event or to find out about sponsorship opportunities, one may call Mr. Vella at 293-8545.

The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of well-coached, Olympic-type sports for persons who are eight-years-old or older and have mental retardation, cognitive delay, or learning disabilities.

Founded in 1964, the Columbus Lodge is a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. Located at 2143 Boundry Avenue in South Farmingdale, the Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming a member of this organization, one may contact Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.