CSEA members volunteer their time to adults with special needs

FREEPORT — Ready, set, go!

With that, the first heat of the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS)/Freeport Electric Canoe Race begins.

Front and center are CSEA Village of Freeport Unit members who have been volunteering for the past 14 years to train and compete with young adults who receive services from the local, nonprofit agency.

This year, the competition was held at a small boat dock at the end of a road aptly named Dock Drive.

The canoe race is an opportunity for competitors with developmental disabilities to work on their physical fitness and build on their social skills while showing they are a fully integrated part of the community.

Our members are thrilled to be part of it all.

“I feel great about being out here with members of the ACDS program,” said Joe Stallone, Village of Freeport Unit treasurer. “I’m also a volunteer firefighter. Helping people is something I feel compelled to do.”

“I get guys to come down here and participate, and they have so much fun,” said Peter Reinke, unit vice president. “Even the ones who were originally hesitant come down and have so much fun and feel such a sense of personal reward that they can’t wait to do it again.”

To learn more about ACDS and their programs for special needs children and adults, visit acds.org.

— Wendi Bowie

: Four teams, one finish line. The first heat of the canoe race begins.

: CSEA Village of Freeport members volunteer to train ACDS athletes for many events during the year, including ice hockey and basketball. Volunteers for the canoe race are, from left, Eric Rosnarin, Joe Stallone, Ruben Castillo, Les Endo Jr., Ray Rowan, Peter Reinke Sr., Kathy Collin, Peter Reinke Jr. and Michael Hammer.

: CSEA Village of Freeport Unit member Eric Rosnarin and canoe race competitor Wayne Hall after their heat.

: CSEA Village of Freeport Unit Treasurer Joe Stallone and ACDS competitor Thomas Graney float into the dock after their first practice lap.

: ACDS racer Brian Schiralli proudly displays the first place medal he received for winning his heat.

: A playful water fight breaks out between volunteer Ken Endo, competitor Matt Spizziri (in rear canoe) and CSEA member Peter Reinke (in front canoe) as they finish their practice.