Uniondale Police Athletic League Holds Appreciation Dinner For Coaches

GARDEN CITY, NY. — The Nassau County Police Athletic League held an appreciation dinner for its coaches Thursday night at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Garden City, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, coaches and supporters of the league to say thank you to the people who play a major role in youth sports in Nassau County.

“Using sports as a valuable teaching tool, the Uniondale PAL has worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of our community’s youth and equip them with skills and experiences that will serve them well for a lifetime,” Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said. “I am so grateful to all of the coaches for giving so freely of themselves to help develop our future leaders, and I thank Uniondale PAL Board President Michele Walker and her amazing colleagues for their continued leadership.”

The Nassau County PAL says it offers over 40 sports across 31 units in Nassau County, with officials estimating that 700 kids between ages 5 and 16 currently participate in the program.

“Our mission is to operate youth clubs and provide sports, crafts, educational and other programs of a team and individual nature for all boys and girls in Nassau County, N.Y. regardless of race, religion, income or disability,” The PAL’s mission statement reads. “The intent of the activities is to prevent juvenile delinquency, steer children clear from gang activity and to aid in the positive interaction of Police Officers and Youth.”

Honored at Thursday night’s dinner were the following coaches:

• BASKETBALL - Nelson Umama, Andrea Palmer, Charlene Stedman, Kedisha Palmer, Nolan Dunkley, Alex DeJesus
• SOCCER - Cohen Nelson, Christine Lackrage, Danielle Perry
• LACROSSE - Hugo Charles and Donovan Fray
• DOUBLE DUTCH – Denisha Pierre and Melissa Taylor-Bobb
• SWIMMING - Gilbert Belot, Taenika Sands, Dina Young
• TRACK - Michael Redd