Queens Borough President Melinda Katz on Monday hosted a homecoming celebration for athletes with World’s Borough roots who competed in the Summer Olympics last month in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The honorees who joined Katz and several elected officials on the steps of Borough Hall included Gold Medal-winning 400-meter hurdler from Rochdale, Dalilah Muhammad (second row, r., wearing medal); Gold Medal-winning 400-meter relay runner from Rosedale, Natasha Hastings (first row, l.); Benjamin N. Cardozo High School alum and 200-meter finalist Deajah Stevens (first row, r.); and table tennis standout Jennifer “Yue” Wu, who coaches and trains at the New York Indoor Sports Club in College Point (second row, second from r.)

“I asked could I sit with him and he said, ‘Sure, why not?’” Rudolph told Seminoles.com. “He told me his name was Bo, how much he loves Florida State. And we went from there.”

The picture quickly went viral – as did Bo’s mom Leah Paske’s touching Facebook tribute to Bo, Travis, and the moment.

Here is that post in its entirety:

Several times lately I have tried to remember my time in middle school, did I like all my teachers, do I even remember them? Did I have many friends? Did I sit with anyone at lunch? Just how mean were kids really? I remember one kid on the bus called me “Tammy Fay Baker” bc I started awkwardly wearing eye liner in the sixth grade, I remember being tough and calling him a silly name back, but when he couldn’t see me anymore I cried. I do remember middle school being scary, and hard. Now that I have a child starting middle school, I have feelings of anxiety for him, and they can be overwhelming if I let them. Sometimes I’m grateful for his autism. That may sound like a terrible thing to say, but in some ways I think, I hope, it shields him. He doesn’t seem to notice when people stare at him when he flaps his hands. He doesn’t seem to notice that he doesn’t get invited to birthday parties anymore. And he doesn’t seem to mind if he eats lunch alone. It’s one of my daily questions for him. Was there a time today you felt sad? Who did you eat lunch with today? Sometimes the answer is a classmate, but most days it’s nobody. Those are the days I feel sad for him, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He is a super sweet child, who always has a smile and hug for everyone he meets. A friend of mine sent this beautiful picture to me today and when I saw it with the caption “Travis Rudolph is eating lunch with your son” I replied “who is that?” He said “FSU football player”, then I had tears streaming down my face. Travis Rudolph, a wide receiver at Florida State, and several other FSU players visited my sons school today. I’m not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I’m happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn’t have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life! #travisrudolph#gonoles #FSU #autismmom #fansforlife

By Michael V. Cusenza

The illegal harvesting of threatened or endangered species in Jamaica Bay has declined significantly in recent months, according to the National Park Service; and the agency cited the increased presence of U.S. Park Police and the task force that USPP has organized as the reasons for the success.

USPP credited patrolling and enforcing all Resource Management Violations that occur within Gateway National Recreation Area and the waters of Jamaica Bay with the positive results.

In June, according to the USPP, two arrests were made and seven notices were issued for various Resource Management Violations in the bay’s Wildlife Refuge.

On June 5, Juan Morales was arrested for allegedly harvesting horseshoe crabs from the west side of the Refuge.

On June 22, Mei Yu Weng was arrested for allegedly harvesting clams from the east side of the Refuge and for resisting arrest.

And on June 13, Chen Xing was issued a Code of Federal Regulations summons for harvesting a diamondback terrapin turtle from the east side of the Wildlife Refuge.

Other violators were summoned for dogs off leash in the piping plover nesting area, and for using unauthorized lights to observe wildlife in the waters off the Refuge.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Forum Staff

Fifty new soccer fields will be installed in underserved neighborhoods across the five boroughs over the next five years, thanks to the New York City Soccer Initiative – a public-private partnership that will invest millions of dollars in the pitches and after-school programming for 10,000 students, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday.

The four partners of the Initiative – the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, New York City Football Club and adidas – have pledged to invest a total of $3 million to build and maintain the fields and provide free programming for City school children focused on healthy, active living and mentorship.

The program will provide after-school soccer and mentoring programs, such as soccer clinics, festivals and youth summits to promote safe, active and connected communities, de Blasio said. The Soccer Initiative will also include a partnership with the City’s Young Men’s Initiative, providing young men of color with mentorship opportunities.

Through the construction of the new fields, the NYCSI will aim to connect more young people to soccer, expand the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s soccer after-school program – Soccer for Success ­– and repurpose underutilized spaces in the City’s most underserved neighborhoods.

All of the communities being selected to host the New York City Soccer Initiative fields are focuses of the Mayor’s Building Healthy Communities Initiative, the Parks Department’s Community Parks Initiative, or the Young Men’s Initiative.

“These new soccer fields will be essential in keeping our young New Yorkers safe, active and connected with the community. With this partnership, we are tackling inequalities in all its forms – including in our parks and outdoor spaces,” de Blasio said. “In the city of immigrants, with so many different languages and cultures, the New York City Soccer Initiative will be one of the great tools we use to unify young New Yorkers. My thanks to the Mayor’s Fund, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, New York City Football Club and adidas for coming together and building a meaningful program.”

Initiative fields will be constructed to ensure year-round functionality, the mayor added. And NYCFC has pledged to create a fund to support the ongoing maintenance of the pitches. The first eight sites are:

1. J.H.S. 166 George Gershwin – Brooklyn
2. Cypress Hills Houses, Brooklyn
3. Irwin Altman Middle School 172, Queens
4. South Jamaica Houses, Queens
5. Millbrook Playground, Bronx
6. Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island
7. Harlem Lane Playground, Manhattan
8. P.S. 083 Luis Munoz Rivera, Manhattan

“Growing up in Queens, some of my earliest memories are of learning to play football in Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” said Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights). “The announcement today of the New York City Soccer Initiative to build new football facilities in underserved communities will give more children in our great city a chance to play the beautiful game. With the growth of football’s popularity, as well as the South American population, these pitches will provide greatly needed relief to our current facilities that overwhelmed with use. I applaud the Mayor, the New York City Football Club, adidas, and the U.S. Soccer Federation for partnering up to provide the kids in communities like mine the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

Resorts World Casino New York City has mapped out a massive, $400 million expansion that its parent company hopes will transform the highly successful South Ozone Park entertainment facility into a Big Apple destination.

Ryan Eller, president of Resorts World NYC, presented the proposal last week to the State Franchise Oversight Board. The State must approve the plan before any shovels hit dirt.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the 750,000 square-foot expansion project calls for the creation of a 400-room hotel, 140,000 square-foot convention space, a spa, and food and retail amenities.

Additionally, the gaming floor will expand as well, with 1,000 more video lottery terminals to be phased in on top of the 5,500 VLTs already humming at the racino that opened on the Aqueduct Racetrack grounds in the fall of 2011.

“Resorts World is extremely proud to be one of the largest contributors to New York’s education system, having already generated more than $1.5 billion for the state’s education fund in less than five years of operation,” said Michael Levoff, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Genting Americas. “This new expansion, and its corresponding increase in visitation to our facility, will result in a boost in revenue for both New York’s education fund and the state’s horse racing industry – while also acting as a catalyst for additional economic development in our local Queens community. Beyond providing additional revenue, this expansion will also add approximately 1,500 good-paying careers for New Yorkers and thousands of construction jobs.”

South Queens community leaders seem to be giving the plan a preliminary thumbs-up.

“Plans for expansion at Resorts World are a step forward towards the concept of a destination resort that has been part of the discussion with them since that concept was presented to the community back in 2010,” said Betty Braton, long-time chairwoman of Community Board 10. “We look forward to working with them as current plans take shape to ensure they are sensitive to community concerns and impact is positive. Our experience during the last five years with casino officials is that our concerns do factor into their decision making. We’re certain that will be the case as this new project moves ahead.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said he sees a lot of positives.

“The proposal…has the potential to reap huge economic benefits on not only the surrounding neighborhood of Ozone Park, but the entire borough of Queens and state. This project would create over a thousand jobs in construction, design and other fields during the planning and building stages as well as thousands of long-term positions at each of the new facilities once the project is completed. Local job creation is crucial to our economy and such a large influx of job opportunities is rare. With a portion of gaming money from casinos across New York being given every year to fund and support education, an additional 1,000 VLTs and gaming at the site would also benefit schools throughout the state, as that funding would continue to grow. Resorts World is already the biggest contributor to this fund in all of New York State, illustrating the popularity of the gaming facilities at this location and how expanding the opportunity to play and experience the new amenities would only lead to more crucial dollars for state education and revenue.”

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Resorts World Casino New York City wants to expand.

And for two very important, yet simple reasons, we say: Let ‘em.

We can hear your cynical sneers now: You’re blindly giving this ginormous (yes, that’s a real word) expansion project the green light because the casino has been a loyal advertiser in The Forum for years.

It’s true – RW NYC has rented a half-page in this trusted newspaper for many weeks. What’s not even remotely accurate is the assumption that said business relationship has anything to do with our decision to support their growth.

We all know what assuming does…

Our preliminary stamp of approval is based on two cornerstones:

1. All signs point to this expansion being a very good thing for Queens – and if it’s good for our home, then we’re all for it. Ostensibly it will create thousands of crucial temporary and permanent job opportunities, put billions back into education, and make the borough a destination.
2. Resorts World, for the most part, has been a solid south Queens neighbor since the racino opened in 2011. Yes, there have been some incidents – but they are few and far between. We have no reason to expect any sort of dramatic change in demeanor or decorum from this establishment and its leaders.

“Our experience during the last five years with casino officials is that our concerns do factor into their decision making. We’re certain that will be the case as this new project moves ahead,” Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton said, in part, on Wednesday.

And we agree. Because RW NYC, and its parent company, Genting Americas, haven’t shown us anything but respect, responsibility, and accessibility since they broke ground at Aqueduct.

“This new expansion, and its corresponding increase in visitation to our facility, will result in a boost in revenue for both New York’s education fund and the state’s horse racing industry – while also acting as a catalyst for additional economic development in our local Queens community,” said Michael Levoff, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Genting Americas. “Beyond providing additional revenue, this expansion will also add approximately 1,500 good-paying careers for New Yorkers and thousands of construction jobs.”

Uh oh – queue the ominous music. Mr. Evil Corporate Person has spoken.

Nope. Our neighbor with a durable track record has reassured us.

We’re going to take them at their word. Because they’ve never given us a reason not to.

By Michael V. Cusenza

The siren call of the sweet science beckons fight fans to Rockaway Beach next Friday, July 8, for The War at the Shore: FDNY Bravest Boxing vs. the London Metropolitan Police Boxing Team.

Civil servants from opposite sides of the pond matching punch-for-punch underneath the stars at St. Camillus on Rockaway Beach Boulevard – for a great cause, of course.

Proceeds will go to veterans and Building Homes for Heroes, a charity that builds or modifies homes, and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families across the country.

“We support military charities and Building Homes for Heroes because we believe our wounded veterans deserve to be taken care of,” said long-time Bravest Boxing President Bobby McGuire. “We also have a special kinship to the military after the terrorist attack on 9/11. They are the ones who went out and got those responsible. God bless them all and a special thank-you to Seal Team 6.”

McGuire, a native of Rockaway Beach who now resides in Howard Beach, said The War at the Shore will benefit U.S. Marine Corps Captain James Byler and U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Kevin Vaughan.

Vaughan was wounded in Afghanistan in September 2011 when the vehicle he was travelling in struck an 80-pound pressure plate (improvised explosive device) while he was carrying out combat operations in the Southern Helmand province. Five marines were severely injured in the attack.

Vaughan was transported by medevac to Bagram Airfield for immediate treatment beforebeing transferred to Germany, and then to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He spent 15 months at Walter Reed.

Vaughan sustained serious injuries to both legs, and despite several surgeries, doctors were unable to save his left limb, which was amputated below the knee. He also suffered plantar fasciitis and nerve damage to his right foot, left shoulder tendonitis, degenerative joint disease to his lower back, tinnitus, a traumatic brain injury, and a left hand fracture. His right leg had to be reconstructed with rods and screws.

Corporal Vaughan earned the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Navy Sea Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

Vaughan resides in North Merrick. Building Homes for Heroes will set him up with new digs in the Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh, North Massapequa area.

McGuire, a firefighter for 22 years who retired out of Ladder Co. 173 on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, said his team of pugilists believes in raising money for a good cause through spirited competition.

“We fight the NYPD, the Garda Siochana [police force of Ireland] and London Metro Police each year,” he noted. “All the events are exciting, but there is nothing better than beating our brothers in blue – the NYPD. We once fought them in Keyspan Park in front of a sold-out crowd and beat them 12-2. That was a special night.”

Friday, July 8, promises to be special one, too.

For tickets and more information, visit fdnyboxing.com.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

The State Senate and the Assembly recently approved legislation to legalize and regulate fantasy sports in New York, adding a new wrinkle to the narrative of the controversial, polarizing – and certainly popular pastime.

“After the attorney general shut down DFS operators DraftKings and FanDuel in New York State, legislators worked to draft a compromise on paid fantasy sports across the state,” said Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda). “The final agreement will utilize start-up fees from large season-long fantasy operators to fund education and should strengthen Western New York Off-Track Betting. This legislation achieves several key criteria for me. First, thousands of fantasy sports enthusiasts across my district will continue to enjoy their passion. Additionally, the 15 counties and two cities who receive funding from Western New York OTB should see their profit sharing revenue increase as fantasy sports partner with OTB establishments.”

In the Senate, the vote was 45-17; the Assembly voted 91-22.

“The measure, which classifies fantasy sports as games of skill rather than chance, contains a number of consumer safeguards to prevent people under 18 from playing, protect new fans from being taken advantage of by experienced participants, provide full disclosure about prizes and offer public information about problem gambling assistance,” added Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “In addition, the legislation requires companies that offer fantasy sports to register with the state.  Principals of the companies must undergo criminal background checks and would be automatically disqualified if convicted of a felony crime in New York or elsewhere associated with gambling or bookmaking.”

Addabbo, the ranking member of the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, said he was pleased that the Legislature took “action to regulate” something so many New York residents enjoy.

“Taxes and fees associated with fantasy sports would provide a new income stream for New York State to help bolster our educational system, much like revenues that now go to public schools through the state lottery,” he said. “Furthermore, the millions of fans of fantasy sports in our state will once again be able to legally participate in games they enjoy while helping to benefit New York’s economy with their activities.”

Nigel Eccles, FanDuel CEO and co-founder, said, “New York fantasy sports fans rallied – with more than 100,000 emails and thousands of phone calls to legislators – and legislators heard them and responded. The bill represents a thoughtful legislative process, where bi-partisanship and willingness to compromise carried the day, and we are extremely hopeful Governor Cuomo will sign this bill. We decided long ago to build FanDuel in New York because it’s the sports capital of the world and a thriving home for tech startups – a natural fit for fantasy sports. Our success is due in no small part to the people, infrastructure, partnerships and opportunities here, which very few locations in the world can offer.”

Not everyone was thrilled with the DFS legalization news.

“As I have said from the start of my office’s investigation into daily fantasy sports, my job is to enforce the law,” said State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “Today, the Legislature has amended the law to legalize daily fantasy sports contests, a law that will be my job to enforce and defend. We will nevertheless continue to pursue our claims that DraftKings and FanDuel previously engaged in false advertising and consumer fraud.”

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Springfield Gardens High School legend and New York Knicks great Anthony Mason was honored on Saturday during a ceremony organized by City Councilman Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) co-naming 147th Street between 123rd Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard “Anthony Mason Way.”

Mason, who played 13 years in the National Basketball Association, died last year after suffering a heart attack. He was 48.

“My family and I set out to keep our father’s name alive, and it was an easier task than I thought,” said Anthony Mason, Jr., a recent basketball standout at St. John’s University. “When you say Anthony Mason and New York City, you’re talking about a hand-in-glove fit. You’re talking about a resilient, tough city where hard work is king, and a guy that embodied just that. There isn’t one person I’ve encountered that hasn’t had fond memories to share about our father. That kind of love speaks volumes as to who Anthony Mason was. This street co-naming isn’t just a moment for our family; we share it with his community, as he would have wanted.”

By Eugénie Bisulco

“The ending of this movie would be me winning the Golden Gloves and putting them around my brother’s neck,” said Michael Gonzalez, 29, of Woodhaven.

He’s been fighting – literally and figuratively – since he found himself in the hospital a few years ago, suffering from everything from bronchitis to diabetes. At 350 pounds, Gonzalez’s body was in trauma mode. He struggled with sleep apnea and asthma. A Russian doctor asked plainly, “Why are you so fat?” and warned him that he was destined to die if he continued along his current path.

Michael Gonzalez (l.) with his two brothers before his nearly 200-pound weight loss. Courtesy of Michael Gonzalez

“We were just slobs,” Gonzalez said of himself and his brother Danny, now a professional boxer with a record of 10-0.

It was the example set by Danny, who is younger, along with the haunting words of the Russian physician, that finally inspired Gonzalez to make some long-overdue changes. Having signed up for a gastric bypass, he was regimented to drinking only shakes for a month. Doing so caused him to lose 30 pounds, and thinking “I can do this,” he cancelled the impending surgery. Danny, then 17 and 220 pounds himself, made his brother get out and go running with him on a horse trail in Forest Park.

“Without him, I’m not sure where I’d be,” Gonzalez remarked solemnly. “But I definitely didn’t want to get left behind and lost in the park.”

The Golden Gloves – the ultimate award for amateur fighters, who make no money for their matches, and a starting point for many of the great champion professionals — dangled like carrots at a finish line that kept getting closer and closer while still seeming impossibly far away. Danny had spoken to a nutritionist and developed a diet and routine which he then shared with his brother. In the first year of his newfound strength and resilience, Gonzalez lost a whopping 150 pounds – a welterweight fighter’s worth in and of itself.  In the last four, he gradually and healthfully lost nearly 50 more, and his current fighting weight is 152.  His progress as a pugilist is also remarkable:  his record is 12-2.  The competition and the requirements have gotten steeper, as, among other differences, after an amateur’s first 10 fights, the rounds get lengthened from two minutes to three.

When Gonzalez isn’t competing or with his close-knit family, you can find him at Universal Boxing Gym in Ozone Park, training a number of other fighters as well as himself. Sitting atop a stool surrounded by boxing memorabilia, a lot of which celebrates his brother’s success, Gonzalez seemed undaunted by a recent loss in the ring – even more determined, in fact, to pursue the Gloves. That same resolve flamed his decision to get his youngest brother Steven, 19, on a track toward losing weight.  Now 159 pounds, Steven started at 200 before Michael began preparing his meals.

“He’s a grown man, but I want to do it for him, like Danny did for me.”

Gonzalez next fights on June 25 at Danbury War Memorial, just a hop, skip and left hook away in Connecticut. For more information regarding the event, or about amateur training opportunities in the area, contact Coach Moises Roman, Jr. at Universal Boxing.

eugenie@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

A growing group of state legislators and the New York Racing Association Board are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to support a proposal that would transition NYRA to private, not-for-profit status and create a new Board of Directors that will include host community representatives from Queens and other respective track communities.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) on Monday announced that he has joined fellow elected officials who represent other so-called racetrack communities in sending a letter to Cuomo, calling on him to get behind the new NYRA restructuring plan – which the NYRA Board voted in favor of earlier this month.

In the missive, Goldfeder presented the outline of a new governing structure for NYRA under a proposed return to private, not-for-profit status: a fresh 15-member Board of Directors that will include representatives from the state Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, state Breeders Association, and an equine veterinarian. The Board will also include the NYRA CEO, and three at-large members nominated by the Board.

For Goldfeder, the most noteworthy elements of the new Board would be the two host community representatives from Ozone Park, Elmont, and Saratoga Springs – homes of the state’s three premier racetracks: Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga, respectively. Under the plan, the six members would be appointed by the mayor or supervisor of the host community.

The proposal also requests the creation of Community Advisory Boards for each host community. NYRA officials would regularly meet with the CABs to review and take comments on policies and programs impacting the neighborhoods.

“NYRA has really hit its stride in bringing new levels of popularity and profitability to horse racing across New York State,” said Goldfeder, a member of the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering. “Our proposed restructuring plan will help put the state’s racetracks on an equal footing with programs across the country and give them a real run for their money. Most importantly, it will give a voice to communities around Aqueduct Racetrack and ensure the continued success of this great sports facility.”

If approved by the Legislature and Cuomo, the plan would return NYRA to private status for the first time since it was placed under state control in 2012. In the years since, the organization has experience consistent significant growth, aided in part by the surge in popularity surrounding the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who drew record crowds to Belmont Park and Saratoga. According to a media release following the Board meeting, NYRA enjoyed back-to-back profitable years in 2014-15, with $1.7 million in profits in 2014 and $3.5 million in 2015, a first since it filed for bankruptcy in 2006.

Aqueduct has had its share of recent success. NYRA reported that during the 2016 winter meet, the South Ozone Park track’s average daily handle was up $831,590; while its total handle had increased $54.5 million year-over-year.

And following a recent agreement between Genting Group, the parent company of Resorts World New York, which is located on Aqueduct grounds, and Nassau County Off-Track Betting, the casino is set to get 1,000 new video lottery terminals, bringing the facility’s gaming capacity to approximately 6,000 VLTs.

Additionally, during Fiscal Year 2015-2016, Resorts World NYC reported $766 million in net wins and contributed $337 million to the State Education Fund.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

An annual rite of spring was on full display on sun-kissed Cross Bay Boulevard earlier this month for the Broad Channel Athletic Club Opening Day Parade for Baseball/Softball.

Athletes kicked off the season around 9:30 a.m. at 17^th Road Park, where they met with their teams and coaches and then marched through the neighborhood to BCAC Memorial Field at West 2^nd Road.

Courtesy of Marlin Byrne

The families of Club founders John Wagner and Dawn McIntyre were given plaques in their memory.  A member from each family then threw out the ceremonial first pitch to officially start the season.

Additionally, according to the Club, the BCAC Memorial Park diamond is now known as John Wagner Field.

The PS 47 choir serenaded the families and ball players eager to step inside the batter’s box for their first at-bat. After elected officials and civic leaders addressed the anxious audience, Fr. Richie blessed the players and the field.

Play ball!

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

Thanks to a deal brokered last week by the state Legislature, there soon will be a lot more ways to press your luck at Resorts World Casino New York City.

As part of the 2016 State Budget, following an agreement between Genting Group, the parent company of the South Ozone Park gambling establishment, and Nassau County Off-Track Betting, the casino is set to get 1,000 new video lottery terminals, bringing the facility’s gaming capacity to approximately 6,000 VLTs.

“For years, Resorts World has been an amazing community partner and a source of employment for our families,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), a member of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee. “The revenues generated at Aqueduct provide hundreds of millions in funding for our local schools, and drive economic development throughout Queens. The addition of 1,000 new gaming slots is a major victory for our families that will ensure the casino and the racetrack’s success for years to come.”

While no deadline has been given for the installation of the VLTs, the new law provides Resorts World with various incentives to put the new slots in place as soon as possible. Under the legislation, Resorts World would be eligible for 1 percent of total revenues after payouts go towards capital improvements at the facility either once 400 machines have been installed, or after April 1, 2019. This figure would increase to 4 percent, Goldfeder said, after the full 1,000 VLTs have been installed at the Aqueduct Racetrack casino.

“Resorts World Casino New York City has created more than 1,000, good-paying jobs with over 80 percent of our employees coming from our local Queens community. These are jobs we work hard to protect. Key provisions in this year’s State Budget will give our employees job security and place our business on a more competitive footing. We thank Assemblyman Goldfeder, [State] Senator [Joe] Addabbo and the entire Queens delegation for their continued support,” said a spokesperson for Resorts World.

Goldfeder also noted that the casino contributes a portion of its net win, or revenues after prize payouts, towards track maintenance and horse care, including 1 percent to the Gaming Commission to promote and ensure horse health and safety, and 4 percent for track upgrades. During Fiscal Year 2015-2016, Resorts World NYC reported $766 million in net wins and contributed $337 million to the State Education Fund.

The accord effectively ends Nassau Regional OTB Corporation’s plans for an electronic gambling parlor at nearby Belmont Park.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

By Michael V. Cusenza

It would seem that eight is enough.

For the past seven years, bills aimed at lifting the ban on professional mixed martial arts in New York tapped out in the Assembly; the proposed pieces of legislation limping to their deaths in the Lower Chamber had become an annual (non) event.

However, the bell has rung. The bout is over.

MMA is on its way to the Empire State.

In a 113 to 25 vote on Tuesday afternoon, the Assembly voted in favor of rescinding the embargo on professional mixed martial arts.

“We’ve finally delivered a knockout blow to Albany’s prohibition on Mixed Martial Arts,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach), who sponsored legislation in the Assembly last year that would have legalized the sport. “With today’s vote, millions of fans across the state will soon be able to enjoy MMA right in their own backyard. This will make MMA safer for fighters and fans alike, as well as bring millions of dollars to the state and boost economic activity for our local businesses. I’m proud to join Majority Leader Morelle in ending this unnecessary chokehold on a sport that every other state in the country has safely enjoyed for years.”

New York is poised to join the rest of the U.S. after an historic Assembly vote lifts ban on professional mixed martial arts. Courtesy of UFC

When New York makes it official, professional MMA events will be sanctioned throughout the U.S.

“With professional MMA already legal in every other state, New York should be able to go forward in regulating these events, reaping the economic benefits of the sport, and placing reasonable and practical safeguards on MMA to protect those who choose to participate in these bouts,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said last month, noting that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called for legalizing MMA this year. “Between tax revenue that would be generated for the state by ticket receipts, and the fiscal boost provided by hosting events and opening new training clubs, legal MMA could have a very positive effect on our economy and job opportunities.”

As Addabbo explained in February, the Senate bill authorizes the State Athletic Commission – which oversees professional boxing – to develop regulations governing the sport; establish licensing procedures and criteria for events and MMA participants; set penalties for rule violations, and create standards to help ensure the health and safety of fighters. These include prohibitions on fighting when participants exhibit signs of head trauma, imposing requirements for protective gear, having physicians at every bout, and requiring fighters to undergo extensive physical and neurological examinations. Accident insurance coverage would also be provided by promoters of professional MMA for participants who are injured, including a $1 million benefit in cases where fighters sustain life-threatening brain injuries. A study would be commissioned on the resources needed to support long-term care for fighters suffering degenerative brain diseases related to their time in the ring.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Local boy makes good, indeed.

Ozone Park’s Chris Jordan (far r.) helped propel his Country Farms Varsity team to a top 10 national ranking after last weekend’s Open National Interscholastic Championship at ERG Arena in Brookshire, Texas.

Country Farms emerged sixth out of 44 of the top interscholastic polo squads in the U.S. Congratulations, Chris and Country Farms!

Let’s hear it for the 2016 CYO Boys Basketball Diocesan Champs: St. Mary Gate of Heaven! The Ozone Park school topped Rosedale’s St. Clare, 47-35, to cap a perfect 18-0 season.

Congratulations to Nicholas Musca, Jayden Rodriguez, Vito Masi, Christopher Henderson, Jonathan Murgida, Jaden Jenkins, Josh Cruz, John Gianesses, Julian Pascucci, Zac Hirschman, Tommy Turner, Assistant Coach Joe Murgida, and Head Coach Brian Jenkins.

By Michael V. Cusenza

Eleven months ago, The Forum introduced you to Chris Jordan in these pages.

As the Ozone Park native prepares for a trip to Texas and a shot at a national polo title, Jordan’s family gushed about his latest achievement on the field, and celebrated the man he’s become off of it.

Jordan and his Country Farms Varsity teammates last Sunday took the Northeastern Open Interscholastic Regional Final by defeating Toronto 21-17 at the University of Connecticut. The Medford, L.I., club earned a spot at next month’s Open National Interscholastic Championship at ERG Arena in Brookshire, Texas.

“Onto polo nationals in three weeks,” said Jordan’s father, Scott. “Good luck Christopher, Country Farms and coaches Bob and Robert Ceparano.”

Christopher Jordan gets congratulatory hug from mom, Phyllis. Photo Courtesy of the Jordan Family

With college on the horizon, this U.S. Polo Association tournament is a bit of a last hurrah for the younger Jordan, a senior at Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village. And as Country Farms is a national finalist, he goes out on top.

Speaking of the Lone Star State, Jordan will be attending college in Texas in the fall, Scott said, and has already signed on with River Bend, a private polo team led by Mike McCleary, head coach of the Texas A & M Polo Club.

“We’re a tight-knit family and we’ll miss him terribly when he goes to Texas,” noted Scott Jordan. “But we know this is truly what he wants to do with his life and we back him a hundred percent.”

Indeed, polo and horses are all that Chris Jordan has wanted to do since he was 3 years old.

One of his first stops was at the stalls at Jamaica Bay Riding Academy Inc., where he soaked up lessons from owners Anthony and Albert Danza, and attended summer camp.

A few years later a burgeoning career took its all-important first step.

“One night at a horse show, Christopher tried polo and the rest is history,” Scott said. “He met the Ceparanos of Country Farms, joined, took lessons, and here we are today.”

Today is on the brink of something special—on the field and off.

“As his parents, we can’t express what a pleasure Chris has been to bring up and watch grow into a man before our eyes,” Scott Jordan said. “He’s grown to be a respectful, responsible, caring, loving, gentle human being. We couldn’t have asked for a better child.”

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

The Broad Channel Athletic Club Shamrocks Football program celebrated its successful season last Sunday at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach.

Players, parents, coaches, and fans commemorated the 2015 campaign, which was led by a 2nd place finish in Tier 1 by the Pony Team (11-, 12-year-olds); a Tier 3 Super Bowl Runner Up Midget Team (9-10); a Tier 2 Super Bowl Runner Up Pee Wee Team (7-8); and a perfect 8-0 season and Turkey Bowl winning Peanut Division (5-6).

A South Ozone Park man is among the borough residents who have qualified for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tahl Leibovitz, 40, punched his ticket to the South American city by winning a Gold Medal in Class 9 men’s singles table tennis in the 2015 Parapan Olympic Games this summer in Toronto, Canada.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz on Monday welcomed Leibovitz and Jennifer Wu, a Flushing resident who qualified for the 2016 Olympics by earning a Gold Medal in women’s singles table tennis at the Pan American Games in Toronto, to Borough Hall and presented them with Citations of Honor.

“We in Queens are so proud of Jennifer and Tahl’s accomplishments and are eagerly anticipating seeing them compete in Rio de Janeiro,” Katz said. “Tahl and Jennifer are excellent role models for youth, and in Rio they will certainly be outstanding representatives of our country and the World’s Borough. Queens residents have the Olympic spirit and will be cheering hard for Jennifer and Tahl and all the members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams when the Rio Games begin next summer.”

Leibovitz, who moved to the United States from Israel when he was 3, is one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. table tennis history and will be inducted into the USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame in December.

Leibovitz has osteochondroma, a condition characterized by noncancerous but often painful bone tumors. He had a troubled home life when he was a kid, and sometimes slept in the city subway system when he was homeless for a time during his teenage years, as he has documented in his book “Ping Pong for Fighters.” He has overcome these obstacles to obtain a Master’s degree in urban affairs from Queens College and a Master’s in clinical social work from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. He will soon take the exam to be a Licensed Master Social Worker with the goal of working with underserved populations, including veterans, addicts and homeless people.

Leibovitz picked up a table tennis racket for the first time at the South Queens Boys and Girls Club (now known as the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens) on Atlantic Avenue in South Richmond Hill when he was 14 years old and considers the sport to be his salvation from a rough childhood.

Wu, 25, was born in Beijing, China and became a U.S. citizen this March after she fell in love with the country and moved here in 2008.

By Forum Staff