Division of Recreation to Collect Old and New Soccer Balls for “Kick for Nick” 

The Division of Recreation will be collecting old and new soccer balls for “Kick For Nick,” a 501c(3) organization, that collects and sends old and new soccer balls to the children of Iraq. 

About “Kick for Nick” - While home on leave from Iraq in July 2006, Private Nicholas Madaras rounded up as many soccer balls as possible to bring back to the children near his post. Being a passionate soccer player, he wanted to give the balls to the children as a gesture of good will. Unfortunately, Nick was killed by an IED on September 3, 2006 and was never able to distribute the balls himself.

Shortly after Nick’s passing, Ken Dartley of Wilton, CT contacted Shalini and Bill Madaras. After reading about Nick’s passion for the sport and his desire to share this love with the Iraqi children, Ken suggested starting a program to collect soccer balls in Nick’s honor and to fulfill his wish.

The support for Kick for Nick has been worldwide and letters have been received from people from many different countries. Soccer balls have been received from 47 of the 50 United States.  42, 225 balls have been donated so far from around the country. 

There are many cities in New Jersey who are active in “Kick for Nick.”  These cities include: Atlantic City, AtlanticHighlands, Basking Ridge, Boonton, Bordentown, Cape May, Cinnaminson, Fairlawn, HarrisonTownship, Hazlet, Kearny, MantuaTownship, MonroeTownship, Montclair, New Brunswick, Westfield, Williamstown, Wyckoff, and Yardville.

Bayonne, an avid soccer town, will now be amongst those who are partaking in the country-wide program.

For anyone wishing to donate any used or new soccer ball, you may do so by bringing the balls to the Division of Recreation, located in City Hall Room #13, Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

For further information, please contact Pete Amadeo at 201-858-6129 or email BAYONNEREC@AOL.COM.