Senator Skelos Presents Achievers' Award To Oceanside Student Bryan Genovese

New York State Senator Dean G. Skelos (R- Rockville Centre) presented Bryan Genovese with the New York State Senate Achievers’ Award during the 25th annual Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol in Albany on May 24th. This prestigious honor recognizes the recipient's ability to overcome personal and physical challenges and celebrates both their accomplishments and contributions to the community.

"Bryan is truly deserving of the Achievers’ Award," said Senator Skelos. "He is an inspiration and proves that ability is more important than disability."

Bryan Genovese, a 17-year old sophomore honor student at Oceanside High School, was born with spina bifida. When he was ten years old, Bryan discovered the sport of sled hockey and immediately excelled in the sport. Hailed as "the backbone, heart and soul of Long Island sled hockey" by his coach, Bryan was also named captain of the team.

In 1999, Bryan earned the honor of being selected as the poster child for the National Hockey League’s Assist Program, which personifies that "Hockey is for everyone." In 2002, he was named the MVP of the International Sled Hockey team in Waterloo, Canada and, in April of 2002, he was awarded the Differently-Abled Athlete of the Year by the Nassau County Sports Commission. In August of 2004, Bryan traveled to Colorado to try out for the National Junior Select Sled Hockey Team and was chosen to play for this elite squad. One day Bryan hopes to represent the United States in the Para-Olympic Games.

Along with sled hockey, he plays wheelchair softball for the Long Island Aviators. The youngest of four children, Bryan works hard in school, sports and life to be the best person he can be and to achieve his fullest potential. Extremely humble throughout all his success, he is always ready, willing and able to help and teach others whenever he can.

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