When the Long Island Rough Riders are not playing against other professional soccer players during the season, the sports organization is "enormously active" in the L.I. community supporting not-for-profit organizations. This year the professional soccer team has generously donated two autographed team pennants and an autographed Rough Riders t-shirt to the ninth annual Great Neck Games Special Olympics basketball challenge. "The Rough Riders are proud to support activities in the Special Olympics program," Jim Kilmeade, general manager of the soccer team said. And on Saturday, May 22 at North High, Joey Blonsky will announce three lucky Rough Riders raffle winners at the annual event.

Mr. Kilmeade is also pleased to talk about the players, their passion for the game of soccer, and proudly boasts about their achievements. In 2003, the Long Island Rough Riders were inducted into the United Soccer League "Hall of Fame," "in recognition of their 10-year anniversary." And in 1995 and again in 2002, the Rough Riders captured their first national championship. The organization is also proud to have had two of America's exceptional players on the team; Chris Armas and Tony Meola, whose careers soared and went on to play for national teams.

For additional information about the L.I. Rough Riders, please call the Plainview headquarters at 671-1585 or visit them at www.liroughriders.com