Coaches and Track, Field, and Powerlifting Team Members
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David Gallo, a member of the Suffolk Seagulls Track & Field team
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The Suffolk Seagulls are a competitive
sports team for female and male athletes, 14 years or older, with
cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities. The athletes compete
both in team and individual competitions regionally, nationally and
internationally. Nine athletes have represented the United States
in the Paralympics and other international competitions and hold
world records in their respective sports. All athletes are members of the
National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA), which is under the umbrella of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committees. The Indoor
Wheelchair Soccer team is the national champion. One track and field athlete was inducted in to the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame
and another field athlete into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Demonstrations, school presentations and competitive games at national venues, are part of the Suffolk Seagulls' activities. UCP Suffolk's sports team has been recognized by UCP National for making an extraordinary contribution to the quality of life for people with disabilities and for individuals served to become more independent, productive and integrated in to the community. The Suffolk Seagulls are a completely volunteer driven sports team with support in part by UCP of Greater Suffolk, Inc.
In 2002, 12 Track, Field and Power Lifting athletes
were recognized as national champions at the National Sports Festival
in New London, Ct. Athletes received individual plaques and gold medals.
Since the inception, participants have consistently
brought home medals and awards, as well as setting individual and
team records.
In 2003, two Power Lifting athletes set World Championship records at the Able Bodied weightlifting and dead lift competition (WABDL) in their respective weight divisions for disabled athletes, and they each now hold the record for New York State. One of our Power Lifters placed sixth in the Able Bodied Division in his weight class.
In January 2003, the Indoor Wheelchair Soccer team
successfully defended their national championship, bringing home the National Cup as well as the KAFKA Cup, which was named after
the founder of the Suffolk Seagulls, Irene Kafka.
Numerous fund raising opportunities throughout the year help support training, travel and competitions. They include: Sponsorhips, sales, and participatory activities.
Competitive sports categories include:
- Track and Field
- Power Lifting
Achievements:
1991 - Victory Games at Offstage University: 38 medals and
set six National Records
1992 - Six athletes competed in the Paralympics - Spain
1996 - The Wheelchair Soccer Team won its eighth consecutive
national Championship
1996 - Three athletes competed in the Paralympics - Atlanta
1998 - National UCPA recipient of the Nina Eaton Program
of the Year Award
1999 - Three athletes competed in the CPISRA World Championships - Australia
2000 - Two athletes competed in the Paralympics - Australia
2001 - Two athletes competed in the CPISRA World Championships - England
2002 - Two athletes received World Champion Titles in the WABDL Power Lifting
2003 - The Indoor Wheelchair Soccer athletes defended their National Championship
The Suffolk Seagulls
Phone: (631) 232-0015
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