July 25, 2008
New York Chariots of Fire, Head Coach, Tony Nussbacher, called Corporate Challenge 1, “a stunning success,” as the organization inched closer to raising the necessary funds to send both of their indoor wheelchair soccer teams to Atlanta in October. Three local corporations enlisted to take the court in wheelchairs to play exhibition games against a squad of Chariots and Strikers players, to raise money in hopes of the team’s ability to compete at the “2008 BlazeSports America Indoor Wheelchair Soccer National Championships in the fall.”
Carlin Systems, Inc. of Bohemia, NY, NDA Kitchen Co., of Smithtown, NY, and the Center for Wealth Preservation of Syosset, NY, all took part in an evening of sports and community outreach to help the organization reach their goals. “We have been supporting the team for some 14 years now and always enjoy our annual contests against them,” said Carlin Systems CEO, John Giovan. “The competitive spirit of these disabled athletes is incredible and they have become a huge part of our corporate family,” added Giovan, whose family-owned business sponsored last year’s national championships, in Kings Park, NY.
Ed Rowland, owner of NDA Kitchen Co., put together a team of employees to compete against the combined Chariots and Strikers team to assist in their quest. NDA kitchen Co. was the title sponsor of the 2006 IWS National Championships, the first ever hosted on Long Island. “Our primary goal is to get these two teams to Atlanta to compete for their respective national titles,” stated Rowland, whose team succumbed to the combined disabled sides in both of their outings, 2-0 and 2-1.
“We were introduced to the group a few years ago and were amazed by their drive and tenacity. We saw a real need to assist them and have pushed forward to promote them,” explained Rowland, “This is our first time against them on the court and we had a great time. I hope other corporations will follow our lead by joining the next two challenges on August 14 and 28,” added Rowland. “Once you meet the athletes and coaching staff and get into these wheelchairs, you get hooked; it’s fun. The Chariots provides an exceptional service to both the disabled and non-disabled communities, and are role models for us all,” remarked the NDA owner.
Each corporation donated a minimum of $1000 to enter the tournament, playing at least two games each. CSI dropped the opening contest, 3-0, before earning a 1-1 tie in the waning moments of game two. The Chariots of Fire held the event at the Deer Park Community Center, which was donated by The Town of Babylon. Rob Mealey, Head Coach of the NY Strikers, the Chariots of Fire’s second division team, noted that the event could not have gone better or have been better received by the entire community, who filled the gymnasium to a near capacity crowd.
“I can’t tell you how much fun we all had and how much we appreciate these exemplary businesses. They have worked tirelessly to support and publicize our organization. All three teams gave us excellent competition and added to the community’s awareness of our sport and the program as a whole,” said Mealey. “Our intention is to not only work our way to Atlanta, but to offer this exciting wheelchair sports program to many more athletes who are not yet aware of our existence,” revealed Mealey, the third year coach of this entirely volunteer-run organization.
“The goal of this organization is to provide an opportunity for disabled athletes to participate in a competitive sport and prepare the Chariots and Strikers for national competition. Without the assistance of the business community to sponsor our activities, it would be impossible to reach our goals. I cannot express our appreciation for their commitment and hope other businesses would be interested in doing the same,” declared the Chariots Head Coach.
Nussbacher has been coaching and promoting the sport of indoor wheelchair soccer for more than 25 years. He and his core staff has amassed 12 national titles with the team. His drive and desire to train disabled athletes in this sport has resulted in changing the lives of all of his charges in both sports and life skills under his exceptional tutelage. “We have two more “Corporate Challenges” remaining, before we realize our ability to compete in Georgia,” stated Nussbacher. “Our athletes are preparing as if they will compete and deserve the opportunity to do so. Our vision is to earn the needed funds by showcasing the squad’s talents to everyone who feels excited about what we are trying to achieve. We’ve moved closer this evening, thanks to the generosity of these fine sponsors, but we still have a long way to go.”
The next “Corporate Challenge” will be Thursday, August 14, followed by the final event on Thursday, August 28 at the Deer Park Community Center, both programs start at 7:30 pm. For event info and schedule availability, contact the NY Chariots of Fire by phone at 631-236-9099 or on the Internet at www.ny-chariots.org.
