By Debbie Cohen
Every Saturday is softball season for the Achievers of America, a program for the handicapped and challenged of all ages founded 10 years ago by Queens resident Steve Biondo.
The season runs from May to October and is run as a nonprofit that caters to all who have a love for softball, but have disabilities. The team meets in Kissena Corridor Park on Main Street in Flushing and is divided up in two teams, the Mets and Yankees.
According to one of the head coaches, Randy Novick of Howard Beach, the team recently grew to 80 members with 10 volunteer coaches. Novick said this is his second year as head coach, but he has been with the Achievers since its inception 10 years ago. He has watched the team grow and learned how rewarding it can be to help the handicapped.
“It is such an enjoyment to help these kids and adults to experience the love of softball,” Novick said. “I love being a volunteer. It has been very rewarding over the last 10 years.”
Sara DiGennaro, director of public relations for the team and also a Howard Beach resident, says the players come from all over Queens from several different group homes. She said there is also a vast array of sponsors. According to DiGennaro, some of the sponsors are Little Flowers, Queens Center for Progress and Services for the Underserved.
Matthew Harly, a 22-year-old Richmond Hill resident, has been on the team for the last 10 years. He has a physical handicap, is all smiles every time he is up at bat and cannot stop jumping up and down when his team wins. All the other team members show the same excitement.
Achievers founder Biondo said he works with agencies, schools and group homes to help improve the quality of life for people of all ages who are handicapped or have developmental disabilities. Biondo also has a bowling team in New York and Florida for the challenged.
“The goal is to have many programs throughout the country helping thousands who cannot help themselves,” Biondo said. “I want to also start a program to teach these adults working, exercise and household skills.”
State Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) and state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) have been out several times to see the team in action and think it is great how much enthusiasm the players have.
New volunteer Coach Izzy Prosa loves the spirit of the teams and watching their faces when they hit a home run.
“All I can say is that it is fantastic to be a volunteer and help these people,” Prosa said.
The games are held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. every Saturday. At the last season game in October, an awards ceremony and barbecue is held in honor of the players. According to Novick, more than winning the game, the players care about the sport and teamwork.
