"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. The relationship between the soundness of the body and the activities of the mind is subtle and complex. Much is not yet understood. But we do know what the Greeks knew: that intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong; that hardy spirits and tough minds usually inhabit sound gods."

-- JFK

Nassau County Sports Commission is Created
We were first established by Nassau County as a blue ribbon panel to investigate the opportunities for the County on a regional, national and international basis. We soon became convinced that Nassau County could compete with any municipality or city worldwide. In December of 1992, the Sports Commission determined that it could best meet its goals as a non-profit organization.

Nassau Has Everything In Its Favor
The richness and resources of Nassau County are at the heart of its potential to become the "New Sports Mecca." With a sports-minded population of 1.3 million, Nassau County is often viewed as the bed-and-breakfast of New York City. Yet the majority of its residents don't commute, and they possess a strong local identity and commitment. With its varied terrain, the Long Island Sound to the north and unrivaled beaches to the south, and with one of the largest parks on the East Coast at its center, Nassau County is unparalleled for the development of indoor and outdoor sports activities.

The County is actually larger than twelve states, and although it is the home of the New York Islanders, it is dramatically under-represented in professional sports. Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Seattle and Atlanta are all smaller than Nassau, yet support two, or more, professional teams.

Of course, we don't need to spend to much time recounting Nassau's geographic advantages, its convenience to two major airports , it's well-developed roads and public transportation, and its proximity to New York City, the media center of the world.

A Diverse, Far-reaching Sports Commission
With all these natural gifts with which to work, the Sports Commission had virtually unlimited opportunity. To assure that we reach our potential, and that we fully represent the County, our Board of Directors and our General Membership mirror our enormous diversity: athletes, elite and amateur; the differently-abled; architects and grass-roots sports activists; college professors, administrators, and coaches; sports medicine physicians; media experts and sports promoters; attorneys and members of the business community.

From its inception, the Nassau County Sports Commission has received the unqualified support of the County Executive, the Nassau County Legislature, the Nassau County Department of Recreation and Parks, the business community, and the community at large.

There is nothing that can unite and ignite a region the ways sports can, giving it a sense of identity and common purpose. All of us at the Nassau County Sports Commission believe that we can bring sports to a higher level, and enrich our lives and neighborhoods in the process. We invite you to help us make it happen.

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