Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dwarf-Giraffe Athletic League is to offer challenging and exciting programs that provide each person the opportunity to become a better rounded individual. Our belief is that good sportsmanship is an ongoing process that can be taught, learned and practiced through organized sports and social functions. This mission cannot be achieved without the involvement of all participants, kids, coaches, referees, parents and community leaders. We encourage this collaboration to support the growth of all our participating children and young adults both athletically and socially.

Board of Directors

Fields and Courts

Seasons/Sports/Activities

Leagues

Board of Directors

Registration Waiver Text

Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League of Whitestone COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the program, related events, and activities, I the undersigned, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: I am aware there are risks to me of exposure to directly or indirectly arising out of, contributed to, by, or resulting from an outbreak of any and all communicable disease, including but not limited to, the virus “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, which is responsible for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and/or any mutation or variation thereof. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS, Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League of Whitestone its officers, officials, agents and/or volunteers and other participants (RELEASEES), from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any ILLNESS, INJURY, DISABILITY OR DEATH I may suffer, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT. Participant Signature: ________________________________Date: _______________ FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF PARTICIPANT OF MINOR AGE (UNDER AGE 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION) This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian with legal responsibility for this participant, do consent and agree to his/her release as provided above of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all liability incidents to my minor child’s involvement or participation in these programs as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

History

Some young men who played softball together, the smaller guys calling themselves "Dwarfs" and the taller guys calling themselves "Giraffes", decided to form a social club and try to help the youth in the community. They went to a local parish priest, the late Reverend O’Connell of St. Luke’s Church, with the idea of fielding one of two baseball teams for youngsters. The turnout was overwhelming, with over 200 boys signing up. Thus in 1955, the Dwarf-Giraffe Boy’s League was born. In 1966, the League purchased its present site at 149-50 15th Road. It was formally the Rialto Theater, known by some in the neighborhood as the "Itch". A Jewish congregation had earlier purchased the building, establishing it as Temple Hillel. The theater floor was gutted and the room converted into the gymnasium and basketball court. The non-profit, non-sectarian organization then began to expand in the late 60’s into football, basketball, bowling and soccer. The youths ranged in age from 8 to 25. A public bingo program was run once a week which enabled the organization to pay off the $50,000 mortgage for its building in less than six years. Grants and sponsorships in addition to other fund raising activities have allowed the league to maintain and improve its facilities over the years. DG currently offers member participation for boys and girls from age 5 to 18 in three major sports programs - basketball, roller hockey and baseball. Our basketball program operates at DG’s own facility and runs from October to March. Our roller hockey program operates mainly at Harvey Park and has two seasons from September through May. Our baseball program operates from April through June utilizing area New York City Parks Department fields for which DG is issued a permit. In addition to these intramural programs which emphasize instruction, DG also sponsors traveling roller hockey and baseball teams which participate in a more competitive arena. The organization formally changed it’s name to the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League in 1997 shortly after girls were welcomed into the league. Operations of the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League are guided by a conscientious and enthusiastic Board of Directors. These Directors, who meet weekly, encourage the voluntary participation of parents in running league activities, therefore promoting true family based programs. A general meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month to give parents a forum to express their views and comments on league operations. A DG Women’ Guild actively supports the League’s social activities. The League is governed by a constitution whose objective states that winning and attainment of exceptional athletic skill are secondary to the policy that every player must play one half of a game. Over the years DG has offered programs to thousands of youngsters with an emphasis on instruction, sportsmanship and teamwork. DG would like to enhance its programs and if possible expand and offer additional programs. In fact, plans are under way to offer girl’s softball this summer. The operations of DG are community oriented and strive to serve the athletic and social needs of the boys and girls in our community. We encourage business owners to become team or corporate sponsors to future this endeavor. Become Active In DG And Help Make A Difference