New Staten Island athletic program bridges gap for special needs youth

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Councilmember David M. Carr announced the launch of Staten Island’s first ever integrated athletic league, which aims to help children with special needs integrate with neurotypical children in sporting activities.

Fueled with $25,000 in funding committed from his office, Carr, a Republican representing the Mid-Island, said the league will launch this upcoming fall for the 2025-26 season.

The Integrated Athletic Initiative is a not-for-profit organization offering free sports instruction, teams, events and leagues that bridge the gap between underprivileged, special needs, and mainstream youth and young adults. The program helps facilitate the building of sport skills, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship, while meeting the needs of each individual.

Sunday Sports Series

The initiative will launch the inaugural program — to be known as the “Sunday Sports Series” — with free track and soccer programs.

“My first experience watching the Integrated Athletic Initiative and their programming for integrated athletics was inspiring. The energy from the children, staff and families was contagious, and I’ve been a fan ever since,” he said.

“I have been a supporter of the IDD [Intellectual and, or Developmental Disabilities] community since before I took office, and I knew I could partner with the initiative to offer expanded program options for families that have kids on the spectrum as well as neurotypical children. It is an honor to be able to fund the first ever league for integrated athletics on the Island, and I know this will be a place for every child to be nurtured and celebrated, no matter their circumstances,” added Carr.

The six-week soccer program will kick off on Sept. 14, and the track program, also six weeks long, will begin in the spring. All programming is free of charge.

“When we started our mission, it’s always been about bridging the gap between mainstream, special needs, and underserved youth and young adults,” said Anthony Passalacqua, vice president of the Integrated Athletic Initiative.

“The beauty about coming to our events and the beauty of this upcoming program, the Sunday Morning Sports Series, is it was well thought out, it’s for families all across Staten Island that need some support, but also should feel comfortable by providing a judgement free environment. We have plenty of support at our events…We try to create experiences for kids that they otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to be a part of,” he added.

A partner in the initiative is the Moore Catholic Administration and the Graniteville high school’s athletic department.

“[We are] more than privileged and honored to partner up with this outstanding organization that does so much for so many that need it the most. This was an easy decision for us to make,” said Michael Ponsiglione, athletic director for Moore Catholic High School. “We want to be a part of the community, and we feel like this is a wonderful opportunity for these children and young adults to get that experience that they wouldn’t get otherwise. We’re hoping that this is a long drawn out relationship that goes on for an extremely long time, and we look forward to seeing everyone on Sundays.”

Said Christine Hoffman, principal at P373R, a special needs school serving Staten Island: “I want to thank Councilman Carr and all the folks out at Integrated Athletics, who do such an amazing job of bringing sports into our children’s lives.“

“I just cannot say enough about how important sports could be in a young child’s life, especially a student with special needs and our families. I’m so thrilled to share this information with our families here in Staten Island. I’m looking forward to getting out myself and cheering on the students and just seeing all the benefits that will come from this wonderful program,” she added.

How to register

Families can register at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-tiai-6-week-youth-soccer-league. There will be a 9 a.m. start time on Sundays at the Moore Catholic High School athletic field at 100 Merrill Avenue, with the initiative encouraging families to come at 8:45 a.m.

All children ages three to 10 are encouraged to sign up, and families can call (347) 232-7067 or email info@theintegratedathleticinitiative.org for more information.