STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On the heels of “Dancing With The Stars” with Teresa Guidice, her husband, Louie Ruelas, flew cross country to show support for a New York City not-for-profit that bridges the gap between the underprivileged, those with special needs and mainstream youth and young adults.
Ruelas was accompanied by two fellow “Real Housewives of New Jersey” stars, Paulie Connell, Dolores Catania’s boyfriend, and Nate Cabral, Danielle Cabral’s husband.
“It was nice to decompress with the guys after “DWTS,” said Reulas.
Ruelas, Connell and Cabral said they enjoy playing a round of golf, especially when it comes to attending community events to support causes close to their hearts — and the other Housewives stars share the same thoughts.
Ruelas has been an advocate The Integrated Athletic Initiative that benefits those with developmental delays. The outing benefited that cause. He spends a great deal of time advocating for children with special needs with a particular focus on autism, given his youngest son, Nicholas, is on the autism spectrum.
The Integrated Athletic Initiative, TIAI for short, was started by Sal Fabozzi and Anthony Passalacqua after noticing that while team sports help facilitate skill building, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship, there are so many youngsters and young adults who never receive the opportunity to participate.
TIAI aims to provide quality sports instruction, teams, events and leagues that bridge the gap between underprivileged, special needs, and mainstream youth and young adults. The program helps build sports skills, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship while meeting the needs of each individual.
“Sports can open so many doors that have nothing to do with being on the court or a field” said Fabozzi when he was recruiting board members, Joyce Strype, Robert Pepe, and Brian Licata.
“After a few months of planning we are putting our mission into the universe so that it gets the support it needs and deserves,” he continued. “This past year we have put on three free four-week clinics to expose youth to basketball, bowling, and soccer. Through generous support each participant receives apparel, equipment, training and support, but most importantly we build confidence that they can take with them off the field.”
The inaugural TIAI Golf Outing was recently played at LaTourette Golf Course on a picture-perfect fall day.
“It would not have taken place without presenting sponsor T.L.C. Physical Therapy, led by Jason LaMendola, a physical therapist, noted Passalacqua.
“Jason has been a great friend and sponsor this past year as TIAI has been offering free sports clinics to local youth. Through the support of T.L.C., 60 golfers enjoyed a day of golf, food, music, raffles, and fun. The goal is not just to raise money but to bring people together to show them what we do.”
TIAI sponsored two Because We Can Sports participants, Matt D’Oria and Frankie Cannizzo, who had the opportunity to play in their first golf outing, along with an instructor from Dollar Bill Divot Club. Dan Wallace cheered. “Seeing Matt and Frankie play 18 holes was the highlight of my day, they were in the zone.”
Music was provided by AB Entertainment, a media station courtesy of Meraki Media Group, clams on the half shell from Osteria Santina and down home zeppoles from Classic Pizza.
A number of local businesses sponsored holes, activities, and donated goods and/or services. Extra volunteers were provided by Wagner College women’s basketball team and On Your Mark.
“The proceeds raised will allow us to plan next year’s sports clinics and expand the number of clinics and participants we had budgeted for” remarked Rob Pepe.
For further information on how to get involved with their event, contact Sal Fabozzi at 347-232-7067 or email theintegratedathelticinitiative.org
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