Last Spring, the Mineola Board of Education approved a proposal submitted by the Mineola High School Site Based Management Team, providing a three week summer sports program for village youth. Sports that were offered included boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball and wrestling. Instruction was designed and delivered by the following certified coaching staff: Paul Pereira, Mineola High School's varsity boys soccer coach, and Al Cavaluzzo, Mineola High School's JV boys soccer coach, instructed the boys and girls soccer session; Lynn Klein, Mineola High School's varsity volleyball coach and her sister Karen provided the instruction for volleyball; Dan Guido, Mineola High School's varsity wrestling coach ,and Frank Massaro, Mineola High School JV wrestling coach, supervised the wrestling program. High school athletes assisted as counselors.

Over the past several years, the Mineola High School Site Based Team has felt that the district should offer organized summer sport activities to complement the Summer Music Program. The board of education agreed. This program was initiated to create interest, expose children to high quality instruction, provide students with opportunities to see where their skills and interests lie, build self-esteem and most importantly, to have fun.

From July 12 to July 30, the program began at 4 p.m. and ended at 6:30 p.m. for grades third through fifth. At 6:30 p.m., the sixth through eight graders arrived. Each day, students engaged in daily drills teaching fundamental skills and position play. The final half hour was devoted to team games that were modified for each age group.

At the end of each week, participants received certificates acknowledging their performance. Some students were awarded plaques for their improvement, sportsmanship and enthusiasm. Denise Zunno, program coordinator said, "It was a wonderful experience for both the children and the coaches. I was extremely proud of our coaching staff and their ability to make each child feel worthwhile through involvement in sport. The children were so enthusiastic, spirited and had endless amounts of energy."

Over 100 students participated and the staff is hoping to expand the program next summer. Brochures should be available in the spring.