Staff WriterThe Island Games (IG) are back on track, literally with a big promise from the organizers.
Long Island Entrepreneur Patrick Payne, President and Founder of the IG, has announced that the one day athletics meeting will return this year to the Mitchel Athletic Complex, Uniondale, Long Island, on Sunday, May 26.
According to Payne, the IG 2013 will be bigger and better than the three previous staging, thanks to the commitment from the Office of the Nassau County Executive.
“The Administration of County Executive, Edward P Mangano of Nassau County, has played a significant role in plans to re-introduce the Games by pledging the County’s endorsement”, Payne noted.
At a feasibility meeting with Games organizers and leading county and park officials, the IG was described as a welcome addition to the county’s socio-economic index.
“The Island Games fit into the strategic objectives of the county’s plans to promote sports as an economic driver for Nassau County, and to expand use of the vast recreational resources that exists within the county”, noted Robert Walker, Chief Deputy County Executive.
Bordered by the borough of Queens to the west, Nassau County (Long Island) is home to a vast numbers of Caribbean immigrants, who play a positive role in the county’s development.
The meet is USATF certified and will see competition in five divisions; Midgets, HS, Colleges, Clubs and Masters. Organizers are encouraging early registration now through March 1, .for individuals and teams by offering free accommodation at the IG Village at Hofstra University.
A schedule of events is posted at; www.Island-Games.com. Entries can be mailed to Island Games 2013, 43A Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550; e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 516-564-5103
Some 400 athletes from 10 countries participated in the second staging of the Island Games in 2007 at the Mitchel Athletic Complex, one of the leading facilities for track and field in the New York Metropolitan region and the venue for the 1998 Goodwill Games.
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