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Hundreds of Long Island student-athletes learn life skills from ‘Ambassadors of Compassion’ program

The “Ambassadors of Compassion” program teaches kids about emotional resilience, forgiveness and perseverance.

Cecilia Dowd

Sep 14, 2023, 2:15 AM

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Hundreds of student-athletes gathered in East Islip Friday afternoon to learn some important life lessons they can use on and off the field.

The “Ambassadors of Compassion” program teaches kids about emotional resilience, forgiveness and perseverance.

WFAN’s Gregg “Gio” Giannotti said the message their message is, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you handle it.”

Organizer Chris Portera said after Friday’s event, the students will go back to their schools and continue to meet and keep online journals.

Ultimately, they’ll participate in a community project.

Brentwood athlete Enzo Lemes stressed the importance of focusing on mental health. He recently lost his mom.

“Coming here, being with my coaches, being with my team, it makes me feel better,” Lemes said.

His coach Rob Eden agrees.

“I think the more things we give them to prepare them for life, the better off they’re going to be,” Eden says.

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