Dodgeball Helps Kids With Cancer Get 'Back in the Game'

The Garden City High School Miracle Club hosted a record number of students at its fifth-annual March Dodgeball Tournament, which was held in the high school gymnasium. The friendly competition has become a much anticipated event to raise money for Back in the Game, a local physical rehabilitation program for kids with cancer. The Miracle Foundation underwrites the cost of attendance to this important program for children across Long Island.

After a competitive, good-spirited, and sometimes comical three-hour double elimination tournament, the 2012 championship trophy was awarded to seniors Matt Eulau, Jess Stein, Mark Ellis, Brendan Orr, Mike Lofrese and Brian Badgett. In the final round, Lofrese caused the spectators’ jaws to drop when he caught his opponent’s ball on the tip of one finger while lying face down on his stomach, a move that sealed his team’s victory! 

Mrs. Jen Soper, who graciously volunteered to referee the matches, and junior Chris DeSimone, who managed the event, maintained a brisk pace in order to facilitate the many games.

When all was said and done, the 185 Garden City High School students raised $2,000 for the Back in the Game program!