Staten Island Program Finds That Cornhole Hits the Spot for Athletes and Parents Alike
Few people admit to enjoying change, but in Staten Island the dynamic duo of Joanne Certo and Christine Johnson have repeatedly embraced bold and new opportunities for the benefit of their local Special Olympics community.
Whether dabbling in a form of Unified basketball decades ago, launching a bocce program a few years ago, or starting in-house cornhole contests just this year, both Joanne and Christine not only welcome change but continually find ways to keep athletes and parents active and engaged.
“I have known these ladies for many years,” said parent Anita Blasi, who attended the cornhole contest with her son Matthew on a recent Monday evening at the Young Israel of Staten Island gymnasium. “It’s good for everyone to gather here. Chris is great, she has the biggest heart and cares about these kids 100%.”
It was obvious within minutes of walking into the gym that Christine, or “Chris” as everyone calls her, has the respect and attention of parents and athletes alike. Nearly all of the 30 athletes attending on this evening wore matching royal blue “Island Warriors” tee-shirts. The shirts bear the name and logo of Four Bridges Athletics on the back, the name of the non-profit started by Chris in 2022.
When it was time to set up the cornhole boards, the athletes sprang into action to help. Six boards were set up, creating three cornhole games. Boards were placed at different distances to be inclusive of athletes of various capabilities, and the distances were measured precisely with a tape measure and marked with blue painters’ tape. Finally, the athletes lined up and paired off into teams based on skill levels.
“Cornhole is great because it doesn’t have to go into the hole to score a point,” said parent Gale Hartie, whose son Robert stood several feet away competing enthusiastically. “You’re still scoring, still contributing to the team, even if it doesn’t go in. Everyone cheers for each other, they clap for everyone. Robert likes being here, likes being around everyone. They’re all friends, it’s so nice.”
While cornhole has become an official Special Olympics competition in some states, it’s still under discussion in others. In their community in Staten Island, Chris and Joanne decided to start their program now to help increase the athlete’s opportunities to socialize and compete with each other.
“Other states have cornhole already,” Chris said. “We follow the same rules. People of all different abilities can do cornhole. There are distances of 18, 21 and 27 feet. This gives everyone opportunities to participate.”
While cornhole does not require the physical stamina of sports such as basketball or track, it requires agility, coordination and focus. Watching the athletes pair off and compete against each other recently, there was no question that playing well and winning were top of mind for many athletes.
“It’s really fun because everyone gets along,” said athlete Luis Lopez. “If someone starts to get upset, I keep them calm and tell them to have fun.”
Lopez could be seen chatting, laughing and enjoying the competition throughout the nearly two-hour program, same as everyone else. And when anyone tossed a bag that landed in the hole, a loud roar erupted across the gym.
“It’s a gift for us to be able to come here,” said parent Matt Forlano, whose son Anthony was among the competitors on this night. “Cornhole is great because it’s something they can all do. Certain sports are more difficult for them. And the parents look forward to being together too. Knowing the kids are happy together takes a lot of stress off of us.”
Chris and Joanne know everyone’s names, from the athletes to parents and guardians to volunteers. It’s not too surprising, given that both have been devoted to this community for many decades.
It all started for Joanne in September 1978 when she heard about an information session for the Special Olympics.
“I attended one meeting, and I left with a training club,” Joanne quipped. Joanne and a friend Lois Dwyer Sanchez set up that training club at Wagner College with activities on Saturdays and Joanne has been serving the community ever since.
“Joanne helps the kids out, she always has a smile on her face and is so kind,” Gale Hartie said. Forlano agreed, saying “Joanne has a soft, quiet calm way of interacting with the athletes.”
Joanne noted that long-time Staten Island Special Olympics basketball coach Helen Settles attended that same meeting and has been an active leader in programs there for the past four decades. Joanne and Helen were joined by dozens of other long-time coaches and volunteers for many years, many now retired or deceased but their impact remains.
Chris, meanwhile, joined the Special Olympics in 1988 via the school programs. Chris said it’s a small world and the coaches, athletes and parents across Staten Island came to know of each other and enjoyed the competitions, engagements and opportunities for parents to network. Name a Special Olympics sport, and over the years Chris and Joanne have been involved, with bowling one of their longest-running and most active sports.
It was bocce that ultimately brought Joanne and Chris into a more formal and mutually beneficial relationship. Joanne started a bocce club in 2017, while Chris had her own bocce club already practicing regularly. They joined forces to start a bocce league “Forza Campioni” four years ago and the dynamic duo was born.
While Joanne was noted for her quiet, calm interactions with athletes, Chris is a bit more demonstrative while equally loving and devoted. Perhaps it’s Chris’ experience as a schoolteacher that helps drive her to call on each and every athlete to step up, follow the rules, participate, and hopefully have a great time. Once briefly retired, Chris now teaches part-time at IS48 and PS36 in Staten Island.
“Chris treats them like any other coach treats their athletes,” Forlano said. “They have to know the rules and follow the rules. She tells them this is how you play, but you have to learn to do it on your own, with her support. She has energy that I know I don’t have myself.”
The networking, the competing, the coaching, and the camaraderie were all on full display as the cornhole season concluded that evening. People were already starting to talk about the summer unified bocce competitions, which are treasured because they allow parents and their children/athletes to compete together.
And for the Four Bridges Athletics program, togetherness is what it’s all about. They’re all in this together, finding a way forward. Over the years, Chris noted she has cooked meals, bought cleaning supplies, taken athletes to Yankees games, and more. Last November she brainstormed another new tradition, a shared Friendsgiving meal. Nearly 100 athletes, coaches, and family members attended the first Friendsgiving, and you can bet Chris and Joanne won’t stop there.
As long as the community has this special need, Joanne and Chris will be there to encourage, coach and push into new and interesting opportunities.
“It’s a great program,” Hartie said. “The athletes really love coming and participating. They have a really great time.”
By Randy Robertson, NYC Regional Storyteller
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