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Respect and teamwork are two principles at the top of any athlete’s A-game. These life lessons could be considered more important than how many touchdowns or goals are scored.
This is what 9-year-old Alex Podagrosi of the 2500 block of 19th Street learned during last month’s national Ace Bailey Children’s Foundation Got Skills competition in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was one of the six participants from the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation chosen to participate. The Philadelphia-based program was founded by Snider, Comcast-Spectacor’s chairman. More than 100 children and teens from across the United States and parts of Canada gathered for practices and ice hockey games, while, off the ice, youngsters took in the Big Apple’s sights. The event for preteen boys and girls is part of a youth- oriented community outreach program that is supported by the National Hockey League.
The 4-foot-9, 75-pound Podagrosi and his fellow players were divided into two teams, with his Eastern squad winning 7-5.
"I liked playing all the different positions, except goalie. I like defense and offense," he said.
Each of the youngsters had to earn the trip. The soon-to-be fourth-grader at St. Mary’s, 500 Locust St., was selected after placing third in a regional slap-shot competition held earlier this year.
"The day I got picked, I felt really awesome. My dad came and told me that I was going to New York because I did so well in the slap-shot competition," Podagrosi said.
Dad Lenny was equally excited to hear the news.
"When I got the call saying how well he did in the slap-shot competition and that he would be in the Got Skills contest, we were amazed," he said. "I am very proud of him. He’s achieved a lot and all the time spent practicing was well worth it."
It’s certainly a highlight since enrolling in the foundation three years ago. Each youngster is provided free ice hockey instruction, equipment, and supplemental academic services at no charge. Last month’s trip was one of the perks of the program.
"It’s very rewarding to be able to deliver these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to our participants," Snider said in a press release. "These young men are very deserving of this honor, and we are very excited to see them compete with others from around the United States."
Time was even set aside for the kids and coaches Jan Koziara, Mike Sulkes and Jim Britt to visit some of New York City’s popular tourist destinations.
"We learned a lot about New York," Podagrosi, who excels in math and spelling, said. "I learned about how the Empire State Building was made when we went to the top. We saw the Statue of Liberty and went to see the theaters. But my favorite was the Reebok store. We got to see how they made the jerseys and we could design our own shoe with our own sports logo."
But hockey remains the youngster’s No. 1 passion and he envisions himself playing on the college level.
"When I grow up, I want to be a hockey player and a baseball player," Podagrosi, who also enjoys playing football and riding his dirt bike, said.
Luckily, he can stay involved with the program up to age 18, which can only help his game.
"I really enjoy it all. I’m always learning new skills and drills. How to shoot faster and higher and how to better my game and work well with others," Podagrosi said.
More importantly, by staying involved, he could develop into quite the well-rounded individual.
"They’re very big on respect; if you shake someone’s hand, look them in the eye," his dad said. "They also make certain that the kids are keeping good grades in school. The Ed Snider Foundation asks the parents how they’re doing and even quizzes the kids to make sure they’re keeping up the good work on and off the ice."
