The
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) offers young people the
opportunity to grow as individuals and as contributing
members of their teams, their parish and their community. A
flourishing CYO program adds to the strength and vitality of
the parish and offers the opportunity to build Christian
community among its participants. Sacred Heart Parish is a member of the
CYO of
Nassau-Suffolk, along with approximately 100 other parishes
in the diocese.
At Sacred
Heart this ministry is for boys and girls who are interested in developing their talents as athletes, and for men and
women who as coaches provide guidance, experience and
direction to the children.
Approximately 55 adult volunteers work with more than 500
girls and boys in grades Kindergarten through 10th in
soccer, basketball, track, volleyball and baseball
programs. We rely on parish tithing to help offset our
expenses. Due to lack of gym space in the parish school, we
pay (overtime fees for the janitor at Brookside School)
approximately $10,000 per year in order to have a home court
for competition. Tithing also helps reduce registration fees
so that all children in the parish have the opportunity to
participate.
Our
volunteer
CYO Board is currently comprised
of 10 at-large members, plus four members of the executive
board. Many of our board members serve as coordinators for
the sports programs we offer and each member also
participates in sub-committees: (Hospitality, Spirit Award,
Stewardship, Fair Play, Publicity). We provide coaches
training sessions 2-3 times per year to prepare our
volunteers for issues they may encounter. We especially
focus on communication with parents and athletes,
sportsmanship and spirituality.
Our trophy
case, located in the school lobby, was designed and built by
two fathers (Michael Gillard, Andrew Coyle) to display
trophies and awards. The centerpiece of the case is the
Spirit Award that is presented annually to an 8th
grade boy and girl from our program (currently
Kaitlyn Mancini and Mike Taglienti). This award also honors the
contributions made by Marianne Collins who is now in her 45th
year of participation in the CYO program. The Spirit Award
recognizes the athletes who best exemplify Ms. Collins’
principles of teamwork, sportsmanship and humanity in the
pursuit of athletic excellence.
Our teams
compete for Regional and Sectional championships. Despite
the fact that we have a relatively small student population
in our parish, we have had several very successful
campaigns. Each year we are honored to have our teams recognized
for their sportsmanship in a poll of their opposing coaches.
This is the highest honor available in CYO.
Click here to go to
the CYO of Nassau/Suffolk site,
News
GIRLS
VOLLEYBALL
The 5th
grade VB clinic was administered this season by
Stephanie Conde a former 4-year
scholarship player at Quinnipiac
U. in Conn. Stephanie played basketball and
volleyball for the SH CYO program and went on to play 4
years as a varsity VB player for Our Lady of Mercy HS in
Syosset. The girls benefited from Stephanie’s
knowledge in preparation for the 6th grade travel
program in 2009.
Registration dates for all travel teams and clinic for the
2009 season are December 7and 14 in the SH School Teacher’s
Lounge – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
PRAYER OF A SPORTSMAN
Dear
Lord, in the battle that goes on through life,
I ask but a field that
is fair,
A chance that is equal
with all in the strife
The courage to strive
and to dare.
If I should win, let it
be by the code,
With my faith and my
honor held high.
If I should lose, let me
stand by the road
And cheer as the winners
go by.
