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 Presidents Corner |
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Friday, April 27
A Letter from President Billy Omeltchenko
Dear PYA Families,
On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank all of you for participating in our PYA programs this past fall, winter and spring. There is nothing better than going down to Lions Field on a sun drenched weekend and seeing the fields filled with boys and girls playing football, lacrosse, softball, and baseball. We are committed to giving children various opportunities to play in many sports and activities. We want them to develop the basic skills, learn fundamentals, and understand the social dynamics of teamwork and sportsmanship.
PYA was established in 1963 with a handful of parents coaching football and baseball. Over the years Lions Field became a primary organization in town where many children would congregate and play both recreational and competitive sports with their friends. In 1997, the board of directors wanted to transform this 9 acre parcel of dirt, dilapidated ball fields, and aging bleachers into a top rate facility. This Field Of Dreams as it was called back then, became a reality in 2001 thanks to the generosity of our participating families, local businesses, and donations from scores of other supportive people.
Dirt and rocks were replaced by lush grass watered by a comprehensive sprinkler system. Baseball fields, spread out to the four corners of the property were upgraded to a centrally located, 4 spoke baseball diamond complex and a 5th field with major league dimensions, all replete with clay infields. Where football and lacrosse players would finish a game with cuts and scratches from dirt, rocks, and sharp objects, they now have grass stains. We have scoreboards.
Wood splintered stands were replaced by aluminum bleachers. A small snack bar at the shed was replaced by a new, more accessible one in the middle of the baseball fields. We now have 2 more bathroom facilities that are clean and accessible. Applications, meetings and discussions with PYA families used to occur in the green shed amidst the equipment and tools. We now have a field house that is a clean, safe environment for all of PYA to conduct its business.
The number of participants in PYA has exploded from 1100 in 1997 to 2900 in 2007. We have expanded fall sports, grown our girls programs to significantly high levels. We are working more closely with our towns middle and senior high school sports teams through clinics and mentoring for our young athletes. Even though we offer sports year round at other local facilities, Lions Field continues to be the cornerstone of our organization. We host regional Little League Baseball tournaments for Nassau County. Travel baseball, girls softball, boys and girls lacrosse games are played every weekend in the spring. We combine our flag and tackle football programs with our neighbors in Manhasset. It is a source of pride that Port Washington is credited with having one of the best youth sports complexes in Long Island.
The Field Of Dreams was established by donations from many families whose children never reaped the full benefits of a first class facility. They selflessly donated money because they believed in providing all children with an opportunity to participate.
We are now asking our current members to help us Maintain The Dream by participating in our fund raising activities. Unlike many other youth sports facilities in other communities, Lions Field is privately maintained. We do not receive maintenance funds from town, county, and state organizations. PYA is a tax-exempt, not for profit, 501c organization that allows for matching donations from employers.
The sheer number of children has resulted in wear and tear of fields, equipment, and structures. The cost of raw materials has skyrocketed. We need to pave the road and parking lot to ensure the safety for our children. We need to add new fencing and replace old ones. Tractors and field equipment need to be replaced. Just as you maintain your own house and property, so must we maintain Lions Field. We cannot do it alone.
Many people have asked how they can help. The sports registration fees cover basic operating expenses, but capital expenditures require much larger sums of money. We ask that you give what is within your means, by buying journal ads for the annual dinner dance on June 15th. Our coaches will look for smaller sums for team ad pictures. Take a field sign identifying your family or business. Or simply make a donation. We will be reaching out to many of you in the coming weeks.
The age old phrase that it takes a village to raise a child has never been more true than the commitment and volunteer work that all of you provide through PYA. On behalf of the board of directors, I thank you.
Sincerely,
Billy Omeltchenko
President, PYA
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