Navy SEALs Visit New York for 2011 Hispanic Games

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez, Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The Naval Special Warfare East Coast SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC) scout team attended the 17th annual Hispanic Games, Jan. 7-10, at The Armory Indoor Track and Field Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

More than 8,000 athletes attended the games from high schools throughout the state of New York. The SEAL and SWCC scout team worked with members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and mentored and encouraged athletes throughout the event.

"It was larger than I anticipated, and also allowed us to answer questions these kids had about our community and the Navy as a whole," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Eddie Lugo.

Lugo said many youth are interested in the Navy special programs such as SEALs and SWCCs, but rarely have the opportunity to talk with members of those communities who understand what it takes to get started in the special warfare field.

"Looking back at how I came into the NSW community, it was just by chance where somebody gave me a book about Navy SEALs, then I became interested in becoming a SEAL operator. An event like this gives me the opportunity to come back to my hometown and expose these young men to the SEAL community," said Lugo.

Lugo and other SEALs used a pull up challenge to mentor athletes and test their physical abilities. Lugo said SEAL challenge events are a great venue for interacting with youth and emphasizing the importance of fitness and conditioning.

"Events like these allow us to interact with people who could be the next generation of special warfare operators," said Lugo.

Athletes were also treated to a static display by SEAL and SWCC personnel, who demonstrated the equipment that special operators use in the field. Some of the items on display were parachutes, diving equipment, and body armor.

"The sheer number of kids participating in this event is what made this weekend successful; we were able to give them a small peek behind the curtain and expose a diverse group of young men to the SEAL and SWCC communities," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor (CRF/SW) Gio Giovanetty, a Navy special programs coordinator.

"Now there is an effort being made to introduce diverse communities to opportunities in Naval Special Warfare. I think this is good for the Navy and good for young Americans of all backgrounds as well," said Giovanetty.