
Coach Gerry Fleming Inspires The Team
The Long Island Lightning is looking for players and support. Through basketball, this team teaches physically disabled youth, ages 7 to 21, to become as enabled as possible. This is a fun, structured, and easy-to-learn atmosphere for kids to meet friends and learn team work. The hard work they put into this team is intended to build charachter and teach perserverance.
Gerry Fleming a CPO from Westchester volunteers as a coach, mentor, and role model. "This a great team, with great kids", he said. "I'm proud to be their coach." Gerry is a 34 year veteran of the sport. "It's a lot fun and a great experience travelling with the players."
Gerry's teams have travelled all over the country to compete. They've played in cities like Baltimore, Richmond, Houston, Seattle, and Denver. In 2005 the Long Island Lightning went to San Jose, California to be crowned National Champions!
The Long Island Lightning has a "Varsity" and "Prep" team. Christopher Bacon, President of the Greater Long Island Wheelchair Athletic Club explains, "We will work as a team to prepare all the children in the club to play at the next level. For our prep kids, we will prepare them for the faster game at the varsity level, and for our varsity kids, prepare them for the college experience. Our expectation is that all the kids in this program attend college, the opportunities are in place, we will help guide them there.
The Greater Long Island Wheelchair Athletic Club is currently looking for players, volunteers and support. Please contact: President - Christopher Bacon president@gliwac.org
Great job guys! Keep up the great work!