Many players from the New York Mets showed up for the festivities following their afternoon game at nearby Shea Stadium, including Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Ramon Castro, and Jose Valentin.  Just like Health Plus, these players were there to show support for the sports organization, which has been a community leader in promoting athletic programs for children and adults, both English- and Spanish-speaking.  The Fundacion Dominicana Deportes sponsors many baseball leagues throughout the five boroughs of New York City as well as Long Island and New Jersey.  Many Dominican-Americans depend on these leagues as a way to participate in organized sports, and to just play some baseball -- a treasured part of Dominican culture.

The main honoree of the evening was Manny Acta, the current manager of the Washington Nationals.  Born in the Dominican Republic, he also managed a Dominican Winter League Team, The Tigris del Licey, from 2002 to 2004, winning the 2003 Caribbean Series, and was previously Third-Base coach of the Mets.

“Supporting athletic programs is very important,” says Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus. “Any organization that encourages children to maintain an active lifestyle is contributing to their health and wellbeing.  We’re proud to support the Fundacion Dominicana Deportes, and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”