Benefit for Empire Games planned

County Executive Edward P. Mangano will host a benefit for the Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged on Thursday at Mulcahy’s Pub in Wantagh.

The event also will honor the life of Peter Zarba, a longtime advocate for the disabled who died in February.

The benefit will include music, food and raffles to raise money for the games, which will take place from May 30 to June 1 at Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau Community College.

“The event will not only celebrate Peter Zarba’s memory, but it will benefit the children who participate in the Games for the Physically Challenged, an event that Peter held close to his heart,” Mangano said in a statement.

Zarba was a paralympian who suffered a spinal injury that left him in a wheelchair. He was a key figure in negotiations to have wheelchair athletes race before runners in the New York City Marathon.

Zarba died of a heart attack at age 56.

Information about the benefit, including reservations and donations, are available by calling 516-932-8654 or emailing ableangela@aol.com.