SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— Saratoga Stampede is in their 21st year of providing baseball opportunities for Saratoga County athletes from age 13 to 19. They will be running tryouts at East Side Rec in August at follows. Tryouts will be held on Monday, Aug. 9 from 6 to 8 for the 13U age group (12U moving up), on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 6 to 8 for the 14-16U age group, and Wednesday, Aug. 11 (if necessary) for the 13U moving up age group. For more information visit saratogastampede.com or contact Paul Mound, General Manager by calling 518-852-3508 or send an email to SSA12866@aol.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Team USA Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse geared up in their red, white, and blue to practice in Saratoga this past week. 

The Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association hosted the teams at their lacrosse complex for practices on Aug. 2, 3, and 4 in preparation for their exhibition games in Lake Placid on Aug. 3. 

These practices and exhibition games, as Skip Lichtfuss, Director of National Teams & High Performance for USA Lacrosse, explained, also served as an “exploration tryout camp” for the national team. The United States will field both a men’s and women’s national team at the 2022 World Games, a multi-sport Olympic-style event, in Birmingham, AL next summer. 

These practices in Saratoga were the first co-training sessions with both the men’s and women’s teams on the same field at the same time, as they are adapting to the new “sixes” style of play. 

“Sixes” is fast-paced version of lacrosse played with fewer players (6 v. 6) on a smaller field (70 x 36 meters), and a condensed game length (four 8-minute quarters). This is the style of lacrosse that will be played at the 2022 World Games. Lichtfuss compared the adoption of the new style of lacrosse to the addition of 3 v. 3 basketball in the Olympics and rugby 7’s; it will keep the rules of the game consistent across the men’s and women’s teams and the style of lacrosse consistent across countries. 

“It will allow for a better showing of the sport,” said Lichtfuss. Adding that the new style and these practices are a “great way to expose younger players to lacrosse.”

Some players on the team are collegiate-level athletes and some are pros in the PLL (Premier Lacrosse League). They come from across the United States to play on the teams, but one player in particular got the chance to return to her hometown. 

Amy Moreau, who sported #43, is a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduated from Schuylerville High School in 2018. She grew up playing on the fields at the Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association complex and has now come full circle to practice there as a part of Team USA. 

“Coming back here to play with USA across my chest has been a surreal experience,” said Moreau.

The Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides Saratoga’s youth with an opportunity to play one of the fastest growing sports – lacrosse. To learn more about USA Lacrosse visit usalacrosse.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Cub Scout packs held a bike rodeo this past weekend, where the kids learned about bike safety from local law enforcement. 

On Saturday, July 31 Cub Scout Packs 12 and 16 held a joint bike rodeo at the American Legion on West Avenue. Kids completed a bike safety course, and then received a bike safety talk from officers with the Saratoga Springs Police Department. It was also a recruiting event for aspiring girl and boy scouts. 

The course consisted of weaving and maneuvering, short radius turning, speed control, changing direction, changing lanes, mounting and dismounting, and more, with the older Boy Scouts in attendance as the designated pit crew. 

“If they grow up knowing how to be safe on a bicycle, then they will know to be safe when driving a car,” said John E. Koch, Cub Scouts Unit Commissioner, about what the kids were learning during bike safety day. 

In the bike safety talk the scouts and aspiring scouts learned important tips on how to wear a helmet properly, how to adjust their bike, and more. Sergeant Evan Fort and Officer Glenn Barrett with the Saratoga Springs Police Department and Deputies Jared Gardner and Nick Hess with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office spent some time riding around on their bikes with the kids afterwards.

 “We use bikes for public relations, getting out into the community more,” said Officer Barrett. “Patrolling on bikes and on bike paths lets us interact on a different level. If you ever see us out, stop and say hello.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital’s 39th Annual Gala will be held Aug. 4 on the grounds of Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

Presented by Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, and Bonacio Construction Inc., the fundraiser supports high-quality, affordable healthcare by benefiting the hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center.

 The Gala is one of the Capital Region’s largest, most successful charitable events. It is known far and wide for its enticing auction items and creative themes—this year “School Spirit.”

“The 2021 Gala will have a true homecoming feel to show that we are back and better than ever,” Gala Co-chair Julie Bonacio said, in a statement. “We have infused the essence of school spirit throughout our lineup, with a tailgating-themed menu and games, a sports bar tent and décor dripping in Saratoga Hospital’s colors of purple and gold.” Bonacio is co-chairing the event for the fifth time and this year is joined by Co-chair Aimee Dake and longtime Honorary Chair John Hendrickson.

The Gala is a significant source of support for Saratoga Community Health Center, the only facility of its kind in greater Saratoga. The center provides primary care, dental, behavioral health and addiction medicine services to patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Demand for care continues to grow, resulting in more than 25,000 patient visits each year.

Gala live auction items include box seats for the Travers Stakes, an exclusive party at Cantina’s new rooftop, vacations to St. John island and Cape Cod, a Lake George getaway, a fantasy sports experience to a major league game or PGA tournament, and much more. Guests and registered bidders can also bid, via mobile devices, on a variety of silent auction items.

The event will be held at the Saratoga Casino soccer fields from 6-9 p.m.; the live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations cost $175 per person ($125 for those ages 21-35). Auction item details, reservations, mobile bidding registration and additional event information is available at www.saratogahospitalgala.org. For questions, email lgreenaway@saratogahospital.org or call 518-583-8663.

Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga County’s leading healthcare provider. The foundation secures, manages and distributes charitable gifts to support the mission of Saratoga Hospital. Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $55 million for Saratoga Hospital programs and facilities, all of which benefit the people of the Saratoga region. For more information, visit www.SaratogaHospitalFoundation.org.   

Boys Basketball Summer Camp

Spend the week working on drills and scrimmages in preparation for the Championship Friday Awards Ceremony. 

This camp is for ages 5-14, and runs from August 9 to August 13 from 8:45-11:45 a.m. at East Side Rec (226 Lake Ave). Fees are $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. After August 2, fees increase to $105 for city residents and $115 for non-city residents. 

Players will need to bring water and sneakers. They will each receive a tee shirt. Coordinator is Tony DeVizzio, SSHS Basketball Coach.

Boxing Summer Camp

This is non contact camp to learn  proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact is available for those wishing to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coach’s approval required.

This camp is for ages 8-15, and runs from August 9 to August 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Youth Boxing Gym/Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Avenue.) Fees are $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. After August 2, fees increase to $105 for city residents and $115 for non-city residents. 

Players will need to bring water, sneakers and a towel. They will each receive a tee shirt. Coordinator is Saratoga Youth Boxing Association.

Skate Park 

Like to skateboard or want to learn how? Join this clinic and be introduced to tricks and tips to become a better skateboarder. 

This camp is for ages 8-14, and runs from August 16 to August 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at East Side Rec Skate Park (226 Lake Ave). Fees are $80 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. After August 9, fees increase to $105 for city residents and $115 for non-city residents. 

Skaters need to come prepared with their own mask, water, helmet, pads, and skateboard. Coordinator is Benj Gleeksman. 

Fall Into Fun! Fall Program Registration Open 

Registration for Fall programming has begun. Various programs will be offered throughout the fall, including T-ball/baseball, boxing, field hockey, ice skating lessons, soccer, pickleball, and volleyball. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com and click Programs for complete information and to register. 

Racquetball Rentals

Reservations for court times can be made through Community Pass. Fees are $5 for City residents with a verified Community Pass account and $8 for all others. Reservations and fees are per person/per hour. Participants must create an account and register for a Rec Card prior to coming. Participants must bring a racquet, racquetballs, and appropriate footwear. Visit www.SaratogaRec.com and click Programs, Rec Center Drop-in Sessions for additional information and to reserve a court. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is excited to announce their new Challenger Soccer Division this fall.

Following the tremendous success of Saratoga Little League’s Challenger Baseball Program and the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Unified Athletic programs, Saratoga Rec will be introducing an adaptive Soccer Program that gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and play the game of soccer in our community. 

Saratoga Rec’s Challenger Division enables boys and girls with physical and intellectual challenges, ages 4-18, or up to 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of soccer along with millions of other children who participate in the sport worldwide. 

Running from Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 of this year, the program is structured to educate the players about the game of soccer, develop the physical skills needed to play the game, and compete against their peers in a game every weekend (Saturdays only). 

Registration is open now until the season starts on Sept. 11. The program will run on Saturdays only from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. from Saturday, Sept. 11 to Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel at 342 Jefferson Street. Fees are $45 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Players will need to bring their own water and wear sneakers or cleats. 

Volunteer coaches are needed. There will be a volunteer coaches meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m. held at the Saratoga Springs Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). 

Register online at www.SaratogaRec.com. Email any questions to recreservations@saratoga-springs.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Booster Club will be hosting its tenth fall season of youth field hockey beginning on Aug. 31 and ending on Oct. 3. 

The program is open to youths in grades third through sixth – no experience needed. The program features practices working on fundamental skills and at least four play days with other area school club programs. 

The youth program brochure can be downloaded from the Booster Club’s website at: www.saratogafieldhockey.teampages.com. Registration is now open, and the cost is $120 for the fall season which includes a team vest for new players. For more information, please contact Jo-Anne Hostig, Saratoga Field Hockey Coach at togafieldhockey@gmail.com 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kristi Wagner, of Saratoga Springs, rowed in her first Olympics for Team USA in Toyko, Japan. 

Wagner paired up with Gevvie Stone, an Olympic medalist from Cambridge, MA, for the double scull in the Olympic Trials. At the Olympics, the duo finished third in the semi-finals, and in fifth in the finals on Wednesday, July 28. Their time was 6 minutes and 51.98 seconds over the 1,500 meter course at the Sea Forest Waterway. 

“I’m really proud to have been able to represent Saratoga at the Olympics. It is an incredible community that welcomed me as one of its own,” said Wagner. “I feel humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received, and it only helped to encourage me to perform my best. We raced hard in Tokyo and while you always want to win, I’m proud of the performances we put together and to be US Olympian.” 

A watch party was held at Druthers Brewing Company on Wednesday to watch Wagner compete. Prior to the Olympics, she rowed at Yale University. Upon moving to Saratoga, Wagner has been training with Dr. Bryan Briddell at Saratoga Peak Performance, and she is apart of the elite ARION (Advanced Rowing Initiative of the Northeast) team. 

“She is one of the hardest working athletes, and is intrinsically motivated like most rowers are,” said Briddell. “I am really proud of her. She has overcome a lot of obstacles, and I told her to believe in the process, believe in your dreams, and she did it.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Blue Friday of New York will hold its 10th Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Ride on Saturday, Aug. 7.

This year’s 75-mile ride will honor two fallen officers – Detective Sergeant Randall French, Special Operations Section of the Troy Police Department and Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini, Ulster County Sheriff’s Department.

The ride goes through five counties, starting at Spitzie’s on Central Avenue in Colonie. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and kickstands will go up at Noon. It is $20 per bike and passenger, all vehicles are welcome. 

Additionally, at Nanola on Route 9 in Malta, there will be food and drink available for purchase, a 50/50 drawing, and raffles, and a stop at Adirondack Harley-Davidson in Broadalbin. 

Awards will be given for Best Represented Blue Knights Chapter, Best Represented Police Motor Unit, and Best Represented Motorcycle Club. 

Warren County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police, Amsterdam Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office will all aid in escorting the ride. 

About Blue Friday

Blue Friday of New York, Inc. was formed in the Capital District in 2004 after two police officers in Albany and Schenectady lost their lives within a short span of time. Pat Fox, an Albany Police Officer at the time, started Blue Friday as a chapter of the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) after speaking to fellow police officers and other police unions, determining there was support and a need for this type of organization. 

Their Mission Statement reads that Blue Friday of New York was “established to help assist the families of law enforcement officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty as well as the families of officers who have died outside the line of duty if needed. Our goal is to make sure the family knows that ‘They are not forgotten and they will never stand alone’.” 

Blue Friday also provides the following resources: survivor victimization issues and grief counseling, assisting families attending the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., assisting law enforcement agencies or families in the paperwork process for a line of duty death, and training representatives of different law enforcement agencies on how to cope with and how to apply for the benefits for a line of duty death.

The last Friday in April is considered to be Blue Friday; a day set by the New York State Legislature each year to honor all law enforcement officers – those who have been killed in the line of duty and those still protecting and serving. 

If you are interested in starting a Blue Friday event in your community or are interested in finding out more about the organization, visit Blue Friday of New York’s website, www.bluefridayny.org, or check out their Facebook page.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has introduced new tours and events for the summer racing season. This will be the first summer track season at Saratoga that the Museum and Hall of Fame is open, following recent renovations.

The Museum and Hall of Fame opened back up on Sept. 5, 2020. Included in the renovations was digitalizing the Hall of Fame. Jockeys and trainers have long careers, and according to Cate Masterson, Director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, not only has digitalizing the Hall of Fame allowed them to save space for future members, but it is easier to update the accomplishments of said jockeys and trainers. 

Some other notable things the Museum has to offer this summer are as follows: 

Tom Durkin, legendary track announcer, will be giving guided museum tours Wednesday and Sundays through Sept. 6, and Oklahoma Training Track tours will also be offered through Sept. 

Author signings will include Bill Heller signing copies of “Fred Hopper: The Extraordinary Life of a Thoroughbred Legend” on Friday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to Noon, and Lenny Shulman signing copies of “Head to Head: Conversations With a Generation of Horse Racing Legends on Friday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Both books will be available for purchase in the Museum’s gift shop. 

For its summer film schedule, the Museum’s new signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame, will be shown eight times daily at half past the hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a final showing at 4:30 p.m. 

Upcoming this summer also, is the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame induction ceremony that will be open to the public and free to attend. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6 at Fasig-Tipton. Seats are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. It will also be livestreamed on the Museum’s website. 

“The Museum would like to thank Fasig-Tipton for their longtime support and use of their beautiful facility for the Hall of Fame ceremony, especially as they celebrate their 100th year of the Saratoga Sale this summer,” said Masterson. “It’s a special place to host such an important event as the Hall of Fame ceremony. We are really looking forward to honoring the 2020 and 2021 inductees on Aug. 6.”

This induction ceremony will honor both the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame classes. The 2020 inductees include racehorses Tom Bowling and Wise Dan; jockey Darrel McHargue; trainer Mark Casse; and Pillars of the Turf Alice Headley Chandler, J. Keene Daingerfield, Jr., and George D. Widener, Jr. The 2021 class is comprised of racehorse American Pharaoh, and trainer Jack Fisher and Todd Pletcher. 

Reservations are required and space is limited for tours. To book tours and for more information regarding these special events, contact the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at 518-584-0400 or visit their website at www.racingmuseum.org.