FIAO 5K Fights Drug Abuse

Inspector Brian McCarthy of the 114th Police Precinct participated in this year's event. McCarthy (l.) Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. and Joseph DiPietro announced the winners in the different age categories.

The Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO) hosted its Annual 5 K Run/Walk to help fight drug abuse on Sunday, July 29. The race began at 9:30 a.m. in front of the FIAO Soccer Field at 20th Avenue and 32nd Street. Male and female winners in seven age categories received medals.

The race was followed with a Kiddie Fun Run, in which children under 10 years old ran a 100-meter dash on the soccer field with children their age. Each participant received a "goody bag" generously donated by the Hellgate Runners Club, spearheaded by Jared and Luann Mestre, also members of this committee. Josephine Impellitteri, H&R Block district operations specialist and staff also donated goodies to all the participants. More than 200 participants joined in the fun.

Lino Castro was the first runner to cross the finish line in 16 minutes and 50 seconds. Registered runners and walkers lined up at the start of the race at 20th Avenue and 32nd Street in Astoria. At the Kiddie Fun Run, in which children under 10 years old run a 100-meter dash on the soccer field with children their age, members of the FIAO Race Committee stand behind the Kiddie Fun Run participants. (L. to r.) are Sandro Iannece, Carlo Bucich, chairman of the FIAO Sports Committee, Joseph DiPietro, president of FIAO Queens, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Carmelo Cicero and Joe Gaeta, chairman of the Race Committee.