It is important for all of us to keep the Catholic idenity and mission  a part of all CYO activities.  Below are examples of teams, families and fans continuing to live their best Catholic lives through prayer, sportsmanship and kindness.


So during last nights game after the conclusion. St Williams player number 11
came up to me to congratulated me on my performance on the court last night. She told me that i did a good job and expressed some other positive and encouraging thoughts about me.  I truly believe that’s the spirit of CYO. That’s why kids play sports. Competition is always at the center of each game but it’s the subtle things that children learn that they will carry forward.  
Kindness goes a long way and number 11 should be commended on hers.
 Reported by an official



I wanted to share some photos from this past Sunday’s annual St. Rose CYO Mass.  We also had a tree lighting ceremony (my 6^th grade girls’ team got to do the special honor!), plenty of food and snacks, and a photobooth.  The participation was amazing! 
We also collected a stage full of toys and $1,500 in gift cards to donate to our St. Rose Outreach program.


 Good evening
I wanted to acknowledge the 8th grade girls team of St. Aidan’s coaches by John Gordon on their absolute sportsmanship at today’s game.  Even tho they only played with 5 girls and were losing in a close game, they gave one of our girls who is not a strong player but plays her heart out a chance to take her shots when she got the ball.  Our player made one of her shots and had the biggest smile on her face.  Whatever the outcome of the season, St Aidan’s players are real winners.



Long Beach Catholic 3rd grade team and Coach Dugan attending Sunday Mass.



St. Ignatius Loyola (Hicksville) 8th grade girls basketball team led the rosary meditation honoring Our Lady of the Rosary in HER  special month of October. 

Reported March 22, 2023

I am the parent of a child on Maria Regina's 5th grade basketball team (Coach Tom Carolan). I am writing to let you know the amazing show of sportsmanship that I have witnessed all season long and at playoffs this past weekend.

There is a boy on our team, Vinny, that is battling cancer. He has not been able to play but attends games when he can. The boys wear a sleeve each game that reads "Vin's Army" and take a picture after each win with a sign that says "Win for Vin" (see the attached pic). They have played with heart all season to make Vinny proud and I know that they have. 

Our boys made it to the final four but unfortunately lost on Sunday. However, it was such a great way to lose. We were down and when it was clear that we could not come back, Vinny begged his father to let him play for the final few minutes and Coach Tom put him in! The other team, The Saints from Deer Park, allowed Vinny to score 2 baskets undefended. The stood back, one player even handing the rebound of a missed shot back to Vinny, so he could try again. The show of love and sportsmanship is what the game, and CYO in particular, is all about. I am grateful that my son got to be part of this team. I am grateful to Coach Tom, the boys on the team and their parents. Although they lost, there were no tears. They held their heads high and were proud of how it ended. 

Sincerely,
XXXXX