The Jericho Public Schools Department of Health, Physical Education and Athletics and the Jericho High School Blue Key Club joined together on Friday, Jan. 21 to present a night of family entertainment for a worthy cause. The Nassau County Kings, members of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, played the Jericho High School faculty in a challenging and fun-filled game of Wheelchair Basketball to raise funds for these courageous athletes who are disabled.

Teams played before a capacity crowd at the high school gymnasium. Proceeds from the evening, which totaled in excess of $1,000 will directly benefit the Nassau County Kings. The funds will enable the team to purchase much needed wheelchairs. Wheelchair basketball is open to men and women with severe leg disabilities or paralysis of the lower body who are interested in playing basketball. Wheelchair basketball began more than 50 years ago in Veterans Hospitals just after WW II.

Jericho faculty members who generously donated their time included Betsy Zahn, John Catuogno, Ed Klobus, Matt DeMarinis, Tara Haugen, Jim Whelan, Phil Chaney, Brian Cummings and Sean Clarkin. The team was coached by Bob Hoffman. Resident Tom Zimmerman volunteered as the referee for the game, while Athletics Curriculum Associate Cambria announced the play-by-play.

Evening activities included the wheelchair basketball game, the Jericho dancers and cheerleaders, refreshments, prizes and raffles, and an 8:30 p.m. Jericho Boys Varsity Basketball game against the Island Trees. The Kings were recognized for their achievements by Jericho resident Frank Sammartano, on behalf of Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto.