HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2015) – Over the weekend, the LIU Post women’s lacrosse team raised funds for cancer awareness by playing at the Nicholas Colleluori Classic, hosted by Hofstra University.

In total, the Pioneers accrued $2,682 in donations for the HEADstrong Foundation, which is committed to being a resource for cancer patients and their families. Three student-athletes individually collected $300 to benefit cancer research.

The HEADstrong Foundation lends guidance and provides essential services with emphasis placed on sustaining and improving quality of life during the process.

Students and staff members at Woods Road Elementary School in the North Babylon School District showed their support for fighting pediatric cancer by participating in interactive team-building physical activities.

The Woods Road community was encouraged to participate in the activities while wearing gold shoelaces — part of the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer initiative — that they purchased for $5. All funds raised were donated to local children at North Shore LIJ Hospital, in addition to grants for children in hospitals and toward grant wishes to families. They participated in activities such as yoga, hula hooping and tug-of-war, and were taught the importance of eating healthy foods by enjoying an apple and water during their break.

In addition to encouraging teamwork and healthy lifestyles, the endeavor was also designed to teach students the importance of helping others as part of a worthy cause.

Photos courtesy of the North Babylon School District

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2015) – On Saturday, the LIU Post men’s lacrosse team put on a clinic for the Nassau County PAL Knights, a group with special needs.

In addition to hosting the camp, the team hosted a luncheon and brought the kids to the Pioneers’ football game at Bethpage Stadium.

“It was a great day for the team, as it was our pleasure to host the PAL Knights for a clinic,” said Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach John Jez. “It was a wonderful experience to see both groups interact and have fun together.”

The Nassau County PAL Speecial Needs Unit operates youth clubs and provides sports, crafts, educational and other programs of a team and individual nature for all boys and girls in Nassau County, regardless of race, religion, income or disability. 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.

Source: http://liupostpioneers.com/news/2015/9/28/MLAX_0928152929.aspx

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2015) – On Sunday, the LIU Post men’s basketball, men’s lacrosse and volleyball teams all volunteered their time at the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in New York City.

The event follows the path that New York City firefighter Stephen Siller took to reach the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Siller strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back, rushed on foot through gridlocked traffic and ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life to save others on the tragic events of that day.

The Pioneers assisted at the race by setting up and working the finish line.

“To volunteer at the Tunnel to Towers event was such a gratifying experience for our student-athletes. It is something they will always remember,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Erik Smiles stated. “It was a great opportunity for our student-athletes to, not only learn about the heroic actions of Stephen Siller, but also hear about the stories and history behind that tragic day. And, to be able to visit the reflecting pools and Freedom Tower at the World Trade Center in person, it was a very emotional and memorable moment for our student-athletes.”

The goal of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to continue Stephen’s legacy by supporting our nation’s first responders and service members. Building for America’s Bravest, a program of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, constructs specially adapted smart homes for our most catastrophically-injured service members.

For more information on Stephen Siller and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please visit Tunnel2Towers.org.

Smithtown Central School District’s Accompsett Middle School held its first Color Run on Sept. 20.

Splashed in a rainbow of hues throughout the event, more than 300 runners from all across Long Island came out to support the cause. The 4K race was sponsored by the Accompsett Middle School Parent Teacher Association with the help of dozens of PTA volunteers and Color Run Chairperson Karen Reuter. The event raised more than $6,000 for the AMS PTA, which will benefit the students at Accompsett Middle School and help to fund a variety of Cultural Arts programs. Participants in the fun run raced through a closed course on the Smithtown High School West camp, through the athletic field and finished in front of a balloon arch at Accompsett Middle School.

“Our first Color Run was definitely a success,” said Accompsett Middle School Principal Paul McNeill. “The Color Run drew plenty of veteran runners, first timers and an enthusiastic contingent of AMS students. We are incredibly grateful to the AMS PTA, our sponsors, the custodians and security guards.”

The run wasn’t a timed race but all finishers ended the course with water, Italian ices and very colorful attire.

Photo Captions: More than 300 runners participated in Accompsett Middle School’s first Color Run on Sept. 20.

Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District