SHB_p046

SC08012013

46 THE COURIER SUN • AUGUST 1, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com sports QUEENS KIDS CLINCH VICTORY IN LITTLE LEAGUE TOURNEY Photo Courtesy of Andy Menechella Ozone Howard Huskies take the tourney BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com The Ozone Howard Little League eight and under team staged an explosive comeback to defeat Oceanside National Little League 7-5 in a tournament hosted by Oceanside on June 25. Trailing Oceanside in the fourth inning, Ozone Howard’s Chris Kollmer cleared the bases with a two-out double to take the lead. Following the comeback, John Sapia entered in relief for Ozone Howard and shut out Oceanside for the fi nal three innings for the win. The victory capped a six-game undefeated streak in the tournament. “This was a thrilling victory for this Ozone Howard Huskies team,” said manager Andy Menechella. “This team has the heart of a lion. I’m so proud of these guys and I am thrilled to see what’s to come next for this team.” PHOTO BY MIKE SAVITZKY USTA JUNIORS TAKE THE COURT AT NST The USTA Juniors took to the North Shore Towers tennis courts once again this summer season, this time powering through the rain to see who came out on top. “I love tennis,” said mother Maggie Reed, whose son, Wiley, played through to the quarter-fi nals. “I’m happy to watch him, playing is great for him.” From Wednesday, July 24 to Saturday, July 27 just shy of 100 junior boys and girl players, ages 12 to 18, played through elimination rounds. Annelies Karp, NST resident, has been organizing the tournament for nearly a decade. “I always enjoy organizing it,” she said. “This is my passion.” Karp, a tennis player herself, has been organizing tournaments for over 30 years and originally brought the USTA Juniors to the North Shore Towers. “These parents go from tournament to tournament with these kids,” she said. “When they come here, it’s such a relaxing place for them.” The beginning of the tournament was pushed back a day because of a chance of rain. Throughout the week of light drizzles and occasional rain, the juniors played right through. Karp said nobody complained. “I’ve seen kids come off the court more wet from heat,” she said, laughing. Mothers enjoyed the great view from their seats on the sidelines. They said the Towers are a beautiful facility compared to other places they have been, and enjoy the well-maintained courts. Board president Bob Ricken came out for the tournament, as did many other NST residents. “We get a lot of pleasure watching the talent of the young people participating in this USTA event,” he said, thanking Karp. “This is a wonderful activity for residents here to enjoy.” THE COURIER/Photo by Melissa Chan Councilmember Eric Ulrich and the City Council honored Woodhaven-based FIKA USA. City Council Honors 2013 FIKA USA Team BY BENJAMIN FANG Councilmember Eric Ulrich and the City Council presented a proclamation to the Woodhaven- based Falcon International Karate Do Association United States (FIKA USA) team at City Hall on July 24 for its success this past March. FIKA USA won three gold, eight silver and 13 bronze medals at the 2013 USA Open Karate Championships and Junior International Cup in Las Vegas. The team has represented New York City and the United States in national and international tournaments since 2006. FIKA promotes the traditions and values of Karate Do, including respect, loyalty, honor and discipline. It has been providing instruction since 2004.


SC08012013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above