1. Brian Moore Game
In 2015, friends, family and other members of the Plainedge lacrosse community came together to play a game in honor and remembrance of fallen NYPD Officer Brian Moore. In 2016, that community grew larger. Dozens of players walked toward the field from the parking lot as the NYPD Emerald Society played a two and a half minute introduction for those playing in Moore’s name.
2. FDNY vs. NYPD
For the second year in a row, the New York Police Department and Fire Department squared off in Massapequa. This matchup drew the largest attendance at SFS Long Island, as more than 300 people lined both sides of the field to spectate the hardest-hitting matchup on the 24-hour schedule.
3. Wheelchair Lacrosse Game
Local Organizer Mike Nelson laughed, “Let me get some reps in,” before getting in goal for the stars. SFS Long Island tradition calls for a wheelchair game each year. 2016 was no different as Veterans, competitive wheelchair players as well as able-bodied players took to the basketball court after the Vietnam Veterans ceremony.
4. Fernandez Brings Home Patriot Award
Judy Walker Photography
Captain John Fernandez, since losing both legs in Iraq back in 2003, has been playing lacrosse since ’08. The West Point grad had his family on the sidelines as he played in the Veterans game on both prosthetic limbs, bringing home “The Patriot Award” for his play on Thursday.
5. Adaptive Lacrosse
More than 30 special needs players from four different local groups (Nassau County PAL Special Needs Unit Lacrosse, Garden City Challengers, Half Hallow Hills Challengers, Bay Shore Challengers) came together to support the cause at SFS Long Island. “All of the kids got involved in the action,” said local organizer Mike Nelson. “There was no shortage of smiles and high fives, and hugs for everyone!” Nelson has gotten the local special needs programs involved since Shootout for Soldiers came to Long Island. His passion for helping children has grown the adaptive lacrosse hour year after year. “It is always my favorite event of the Shootout,” Nelson said.
