It was a day of celebration, congratulations, and lots and lots of food. Approximately 500 local kids were honored at the North Bergen Recreation Department’s annual Football Awards program on Saturday, Jan. 31, with about 250 children earning championship trophies.
The event was held at the Recreation Center to celebrate the end of the season and the accomplishments of the participants in the football and cheerleading programs. This year, seven football teams, seven cheerleading teams, and one pom-pom team participated in the program.
North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Parks and Public Property Commissioner Hugo Cabrera were on hand for the festivities, meeting with enthusiastic kids and even more enthusiastic parents.
“The Football Awards program is a great chance to honor the hard work of our young men and women,” said Sacco “It’s always fun to see so many North Bergen kids so excited to be recognized for their accomplishments.”
Everyone who participated in the football and cheerleading programs received an award, with the champions receiving additional accolades. Sacco presented trophies and yearbooks individually to each participant.
And the winner is…
The Recreation Department sponsors three travel teams that compete with other towns, and four in-house teams that play within North Bergen and don’t travel.
“Every team has their own cheerleaders,” said Cabrera. “The Pom Poms are our youngest team. They’re 5 or 6 years old and they usually perform at half-time during in-house league games.”
As for the awards, the Rams, consisting of players ages 6 to 11, were champions in the in-house Pee Wee League. They received sweatshirts and trophies.
The other two teams to receive championship recognition were travel teams. The Giants, ages 9 and 10, were presented with jackets and trophies as winners of the Hudson County Youth Football League.
“It’s always fun to see so many North Bergen kids so excited to be recognized for their accomplishments.” –Nicholas Sacco
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Ultimately, however, everyone received recognition.
“This is for every kid, even if they don’t win a championship,” said Cabrera about the annual event. “It’s celebrating the end of the season and their accomplishments.”
The awards were accompanied by a virtual feast, with sausage and peppers, ziti, chicken fingers, meatballs, eggplant parmesan, and more. “They get a full meal,” said Cabrera. “They get a lot. Some of the food was donated by Dr. Arber and the Boulevard Diner,” both of whom received plaques for their contributions.
Meals were staggered, with different groups eating throughout the day in various locations on the site.
“We set up the Rec Center,” said Cabrera. “We put out all the food and tables, then we go over to the Pop Warner Building. Then back to the gym.”
Festivities lasted from about 11 a.m. until nearly 10 p.m. Cabrera praised the coordination of Recreation Superintendent John Cellini, along with the many people who pitched in to make the event a success.
“We have a lot of volunteers that help out,” he said, noting that Jeff Santini received the Citizens Award this year. “As a parent he volunteers a lot of his time.”
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.