Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that applications are now open for the 12th Annual Nick Katsounis Memorial North American Wheelchair 10K Race, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at Ellsworth Allen Town Park in Farmingdale, with a starting time 8 a.m. sharp.

"The Nick Katsounis Memorial North American Wheelchair 10K Race, which is sanctioned by both Wheelchair Track and Field-USA and USA Track & Field, has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious events for physically-challenged athletes, largely due to the tireless efforts of race founder, the late Nick Katsounis," Venditto said. "Nick dedicated the better part of his life to advancing the rights of the disabled. What better tribute than to host athletes from all over the world at the event he brought into existence?"

According to Venditto, the race course will start on Motor Avenue near Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park in Farmingdale, and run the length of the scenic Bethpage State Parkway, which will be closed to traffic from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on race day and culminate on Lambert Avenue in Farmingdale.

"The race features more than $25,000 worth of prizes for winners in the various categories, including bonus prizes for honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces," Venditto said. "Participants, who must wear helmets for the race, can pick up their shirts and numbers at the Huntington Hilton Hotel Hospitality Suite on Friday, June 27, from 2 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, June 28, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Light refreshments will be served in the hospitality suite on the evening of the 28th, as well. For information on special Wheelchair Race hotel accommodations rates, call 1-888-312-1100. Those of you who are interested must reserve your rooms by June 10."

According to the supervisor, following the Wheelchair Race, an exhibition-only Hand Cycle Race will kick off at 9:15 a.m.

Athletes interested in signing up for the 10K Wheelchair race or the Hand Cycle Race can do so by calling Race Director Geraldine Walsh, (631) 549-1462. Applications are also available at all Town of Oyster Bay parks. The pre-registration fee is $25 for the Wheelchair Race, $15 for the Hand Cycle Race and $35 for both. Pre-registration closes at 5 p.m. on June 28. On race day, the fees go up to $50 for the Wheelchair Race, $20 for the Hand Cycle race and $60 to enter both.

The Nick Katsounis Memorial North American Wheelchair Championship 10K Race is co-sponsored by the Town of Oyster Bay, The Greater Long Island Running Club and the following generous organizations that make the event possible: Able Newspaper, America's Athletes with Disabilities, Antun's, Brands Cycle Shop, J. Bussani, Inc., Capelli Construction and Home Improvements, Christi Home Improvements and General Contracting, Cruise Brothers Bike Club, Inc., Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, Dr. Edward Fryman, Karavas Place Greek Foods, Life Star Response Corp., Massapequa Park Bicycle Club, Massapequa Road Runners, MTA Long Island Bus, the New York Fraternal Order of Police, Rick's Renovations, Inc., Sports Rehab Network Physical Therapy, Southwest Securities, Statler Chiropractic, Tru-Value Caterers and US Globe Corp.

"My fellow town board members and I extend our thanks to the generous co-sponsors, organizations and businesses that make this event possible," Venditto said. "Your support is greatly appreciated ."