• Register Today for the 2024 SSG Ollis Memorial 5k!

    May 12, 2024 Author: Kelly Manzolillo
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    Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis embodied the values of courage and selflessness. His heroic act during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, where he sacrificed his life to save others, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and honor. Through this annual memorial race, we aim to ensure that his spirit lives on, inspiring future generations to embody the same sense of bravery and service.

    Event Details:

    • Date: June 9th
    • Location: Staten Island, New York
    • Race Distances: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) run and 2 miles walk
    • Registration Link: Register Here

    Why You Should Join Us:

    1. Honor a Hero: Participating in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race allows you to pay homage to Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis and his extraordinary sacrifice. Your involvement helps keep his memory alive and honors his legacy of courage and service.
    2. Support Veterans and Their Families: Proceeds from the race will benefit programs and initiatives aimed at supporting military veterans and their families. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
    3. Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day: Whether you’re an avid runner, prefer a brisk walk, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race offers an opportunity for participants of all levels to come together for a day of fitness, camaraderie, and remembrance.
    4. Build Community: Join us in bringing together individuals from all walks of life who share a common goal of honoring our nation’s heroes. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll be part of a community united in gratitude and respect.

    Register Today: Don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful event. Secure your spot in the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Race by registering here today. Whether you’re running, walking, or showing your support in other ways, your participation makes a difference.

    Mark your calendars for June 9th and join us for a day filled with remembrance, unity, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

  • 5K Results and Recap

    June 13, 2018 Author: Dave
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    Reposted with permission from the Staten Island Advance:

    https://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/06/lewis_kraker_win_2nd_annual_ss.html

    The spirit of patriotism was in the air as New Dorp’s typically busy streets were filled early Sunday with nearly 1,000 runners, walkers and supporters for the Second Annual SSG Michael Ollis 5k Run/walk.

    The NYPD, FDNY, U.S. Armed forces and local politicians were also on hand as they honored Ollis, the New Dorp-raised Army veteran whose life was cut short five years ago at the age of 24 while shielding a wounded Polish soldier from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

    Assemblyman Ron Castorina, who was among the dignitaries, perhaps said it best as he cited John 15:13 which reads, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The passage, he said, embodied Ollis’ selflessness and sacrifice.

    CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS

    As for the race, former Monsignor Farrell and Villanova University star Dan Lewis emerged victorious in the men’s portion for the second straight year, clocking in at 16 minutes, 56.1 seconds. Lewis, a childhood friend of Ollis who now hails from Flourtown, Pa., said he loved the atmosphere.

    “There’s tons of energy in the crowd, it definitely pushed me,” described Lewis. “I used to run these streets when I was in high school so to see it transformed into a great event to honor a hero is a really cool thing.”

    The women’s race winner, Melissa Kraker, also shared a connection to the Ollis family.

    Working for the NYC Parks Department at the Ocean Breeze Track complex, Kraker came in contact with Michael’s parents, Linda and Bob, who were members.

    “They are the most kind, generous and sincere people,” said Kraker. “Michael’s spirit really lives through them and this is a great tribute. I felt the love through this community and it carried me through the race today.”

    Sixteen-year-old Farrell sophomore Paul Sicolnolfi took second overall in 17:24.0. Forty-year-old road-racing mainstay Jose Davilafinished third in 17:44.1.

    New mother Isabelle Cammayo took second in the women’s competition in 20:23.1 while Juliette Goulet rounded out the top three in 20:29.4.

    MEN’S TOP 5

    1. Dan Lewis 16:56.1

    2. Paul Siconolfi 17:24.0

    3. Jose Davila 17:44.1

    4. Vincent Agostino 17:53.2

    5. Artur Tyszuk 18:01.3

    WOMEN’S TOP 5

    1. Melissa Kraker 19:21.5

    2. Isabelle Cammayo 20:23.1

    3. Juliette Goulet 20:29.4

    4. Patricia Mulligan 21:29.0

    5. Mara Cohen 23:03.9

  • First Annual SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5k Run & Festival

    April 11, 2017 Author: Dave
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    For tour tomorrow, he gave his today...

    FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN & FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR JUNE 11, 2017

    Race Will Commemorate the Memory & Sacrifice of SSG Ollis & Raise Funds for Veterans

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    • Contact: Robert Ollis, President of the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation P: (646) 379-2295 | E-Mail: fortdrum1988@gmail.com
    • Nick Iacono, Board Member and Race Planning Director P: (718) 887-6522 | E-Mail: Iacono.Nicholas@gmail.com

    (April 10, 2017 – Staten Island, NY) – The SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 veterans charity established in 2013 by the family of fallen U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Michael Ollis, announced today that it will be hosting its FIRST ANNUAL SSG MICHAEL OLLIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK & STREET FESTIVAL on Sunday, June 11th, 2017, 8AM – 12PM in New Dorp. The race will serve to commemorate the memory & courageous sacrifice of SSG Ollis, honor all of our nation’s veterans and service members, and raise funds for the SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation which supports various veterans’ and philanthropic causes. Members of the media are invited to cover this inaugural event and are asked to please help spread the word. Participants can purchase their $35 ticket or make a donation to the cause at ollisrace.eventbrite.com.

    “Our son Michael gave his life for his country, and the foundation we set up in his honor is dedicated to one purpose: to support his fellow veterans and their families,” said Michael’s parents and foundation cofounders Robert and Linda Ollis. “We hope that this race will allow us as a community to memorialize Michael’s sacrifice, show our appreciation for all our service members, and raise funds to help those who have served.” The event will begin at 8:00 AM on Sunday, June 11th, at New Dorp Lane and New Dorp Plaza South…with the race kicking off at 9:00 AM and a street festival featuring live music, food, entertainment, activities, and various vendors/merchants to follow (10AM – 12PM). The race route will be a total of 5 kilometers and entail a loop around the Staten Island Railway (SIR) between Beach Avenue and Jefferson Avenue.

    After the race, an awards ceremony and street festival will take place on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street. The foundation is seeking runners/walkers, sponsors, donations, and volunteers…and those interested should e-mail OllisRace@gmail.com and visit www.ollisrace.evenbrite.com.

    “Staten Island is home to both an active running community, as well as a patriotic community that strongly supports veterans and our armed forces,” Mr. and Mrs. Ollis continued. “We thought, what better way to honor Michael’s memory and raise funds for the foundation than by hosting a community run right here in New Dorp where Michael grew up? We especially want to thank all the New Dorp merchants for allowing us to host this event in the neighborhood, and for all the sponsors who have already committed their support.”

    In 2013, SSG Michael Ollis was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at a forward operating base in Ghazni, Afghanistan when the base was ambushed by insurgents. SSG Ollis heroically gave his life to shield a fellow serviceman from a suicide bomber. He posthumously received numerous honors in recognition of his valor including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the Audie Murphy Medallion, the Polish Gold Star Medal of Honor, and in January 2016, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) announced that one its new Staten Island Ferry Boats would be named after Michael.

    The race/event, hosted by the SSG Ollis Freedom Foundation, is a partnership among multiple supportive organizations, agencies, and individuals. Special thanks to Councilman Steven Matteo and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, whose offices worked closely with the foundation and Mr. Daniel Clark of SIBOC to secure the necessary permits and logistical arrangements. Special thanks also to Chief Ed Delatorre, Borough Commander for Staten Island; Detective Kevin Medefint of the 122 Precinct; Daniel Clark, Executive Director of the Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC); Maria Esposito of the New Dorp Merchants Group, Paul Burdzy and Agnieszka Chwatko of the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, and Andrew Guido of the New Dorp Central Civic Association.

    *Further details and information regarding bib pickup will be forthcoming*

    Tentative Event Schedule:

    • 8:00 AM Opening Ceremony Begins- National Anthem & Remarks (Participants must be in their corral)
    • 9:00 AM Race Kicks Off
    • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Street Festival/Awards Presentation (Street festival will take place after the race on New Dorp Lane between New Dorp Plaza and 10th Street)

    Partnering Organizations:

    • The Staten Island Business Outreach Center (SIBOC)
    • The New Dorp Merchants Group
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • The New Dorp Central Civic Association
    • Office of Councilman Steven Matteo (District 50, Mid-Island)
    • Office of Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (AD 64, East Shore/Brooklyn)
    • New York Police Department – Staten Island Borough Command & the 122 Precinct
    • New York City Department of Transportation – Weekend Walks Program ShopRite of Hylan Blvd, Staten Island

    *ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS WELCOME*

    Current Committed Sponsors:

    • ShopRite of Hylan Blvd
    • The Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union
    • Crossfit 103
    • NYC DOT Weekend Walks Program

    ***ADDITIONAL SPONSORS NEEDED***

    Website: www.ssgollis.org

    Facebook: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation

    Event Details/Registration: Ollisrace.Eventbrite.com

    Questions? E-mail: OllisRace@gmail.com