ABC7/WABC-TV
WPIX-TV
News 12 Long Island
TBR News Media
Yahoo News
BOHEMIA, N.Y. | The Farmingdale State College men's lacrosse team returned to
People's Arc of Suffolk for its annual holiday visit, a tradition head coach
Sean Chamberlain has been part of for 20 years. He has brought the Rams to the educare center every year since becoming head coach in 2014, making this the 12th consecutive season.
Chamberlain's involvement with People's Arc dates back to 2003, when he first participated in the outreach as a student-athlete at Stony Brook University.
During the visit, the Rams assisted Santa Claus in distributing over 100 personalized gifts to students throughout the Saul and Elaine Seiff Educare Center. The celebration included holiday music, festive decorations, and time spent engaging with students and staff.
"We came here 20 years ago and saw what the staff and the teachers were doing with the kids and thought it was amazing," said Chamberlain. "We've been back every year since. It's rewarding."
People's Arc of Suffolk serves children ages 3-21 with a wide range of intellectual and developmental needs. The Educare Center emphasizes individualized, multisensory educational approaches designed to help each student reach their full potential.
For the student-athletes, the experience remains one of the most impactful moments of the year.
"Seeing their smiles after they get the presents - it really just warms my heart," said team captain Joseph Forchelli.
"We're all fortunate to be where we are," added midfielder Thomas Mai, "and it's good to see them all happy at the same time."
The tradition continues to resonate deeply with the staff at People's Arc, who expressed their gratitude following the visit.
"Your visit is something our school truly looks forward to, and the joy you bring is felt the moment you walk through our doors," Dana Schillinger, Vice President of Children's Services at People's Arc of Suffolk, told the team at the end of the visit. "You make our students feel special, remembered, and loved. For many of them, that kindness lasts far beyond the holiday season."
Farmingdale State Director of Athletics Tom Azzara emphasized the significance of the tradition within the program. "Sean Chamberlain started this when he was a student-athlete at Stony Brook, and when he was hired at Farmingdale, we carried on the tradition," said Azzara. "It's something our department and our student-athletes truly love and look forward to every year."
This year's visit received widespread media attention, including coverage from ABC7/WABC-TV, WPIX-TV, News 12 Long Island, TBR News Media, and Yahoo News.
