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Fair Lawn Special Needs Basketball Event Unites Borough

FAIR LAWN, N.J. -- Police, firefighters and emergency medical workers displayed the value of teamwork Saturday in the third annual Special Olympics Killer Bees vs. Fair Lawn Emergency Responders basketball doubleheader.

Opening tip.

Opening tip.

 Photo Credit: COURTESY: Luis Vasquez
The Killer Bees topped the emergency services squad in 44-23 in the first game and 59-45 in the second.

The Killer Bees topped the emergency services squad in 44-23 in the first game and 59-45 in the second.

 Photo Credit: COURTESY: Luis Vasquez
(l. to r.): Stephanie Shutt, Danielle Pettineo, Katelyn Deluccia

(l. to r.): Stephanie Shutt, Danielle Pettineo, Katelyn Deluccia

 Photo Credit: COURTESY: Luis Vasquez
"This is a perfect community event to celebrate the different abilities of these special athletes," Fair Lawn PBA President Luis Vasquez told Daily Voice.

"This is a perfect community event to celebrate the different abilities of these special athletes," Fair Lawn PBA President Luis Vasquez told Daily Voice.

 Photo Credit: COURTESY: Luis Vasquez
"It's a great way to end the season."

"It's a great way to end the season."

 Photo Credit: COURTESY: Luis Vasquez
Jerry DeMarco
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Municipal secretary Marianne Pettineo -- a prominent advocate for those with developmental disabilities -- organized the event for special needs athletes whose teams don't qualify for Special Olympics New Jersey's annual tournament.

Pettineo's daughter, Danielle, plays for the Killer Bees -- and celebrated her birthday at the Fair Lawn Community Center on Saturday.

"This is a perfect community event to celebrate the different abilities of these special athletes," PBA Local 67 President Luis Vasquez told Daily Voice. "The kids get to play one more time and get medals, and we get to celebrate them.

"It's a great way to end the season."

The PBA provides the pizza and firefighters the refreshments.

Coaches included Mayor John Cosgrove, along with John McKay, Gary Peluso, Rich Carruthers, Phyllis Carruthers, Janice regorzek, Emil DeLuccia, Katelyn DeLuccia, Stephanie Shutt andDennis Gutierrez. High school volunteer: Preston Yate.

For those keeping score, the Killer Bees cleaned up -- topping the emergency services squad 44-23 in the first game and 59-45 in the second.

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