Athlete participant, Aaron Orlick, with his teacher, Kevin Dolan, his biggest fan! On Friday, May 29 th, Garden City School District sent a team of 5 athletes under the supervision of Physical Education faculty members, Michael Heedles and Janet Rogler. Our students participated in a variety of track and field events bringing home several medals and ribbons at the 2009 Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged at the Mitchell Field Complex at Nassau Community College. The Garden City High School supported our athletes by sending a team of 25 "Students Helping Students" volunteers. These high school students were selected for their leadership, compassion and teamwork qualities. Their presence at the games was felt not just by Garden City participants, but by other schools and staffers alike. This select group did an excellent job working with our athletes and representing Garden City at this incredible event. It was a tremendous success!!

Athlete participant, Joseph Duffy, at a field event GC High School coach Mike Heedles at a track event Athlete participant, Aaron Orlick, gets ready for the "Precision Throw" at the field events Athlete participants, Alex LaGueux and Matthew Castellano, get ready for the "Soft Discus" at the field events 2009 Empire State Games athletes, coaches and his student volunteers Athlete participant, Alex LaGueux, enjoying lunch with some of his high school student volunteer fans! Athlete participant, Grayce Nix, at the field events High School student volunteers, "Students Helping Students" working with the athletes Grayce Nix surrounded by her MANY fans Athletes and high school student volunteers having ALOTof fun! Getting all psyched up to begin the Games!!