Astoria Sports Complex President Steps Down

By Stephano Polis
After 45 years of service and as President, I am sad to say goodbye to the community that I love, Astoria and Long Island City.
I started this journey at the age of 29. I was single, not a worry in the world. Today I am seventy-four years (young) (thank God very healthy) married to the most amazing wife, have three wonderful children and just 3 months ago I became a grandfather of two beautiful healthy granddaughters.
I, in these 45 years, have weathered many glories and heartaches, all in the name of Astoria.
It all started 1976 when my late beloved father Giuseppe, my late beloved brother Nicolo and myself, purchased an old abandoned ice house in a NYC auction (my brother’s workplace).
Today the abandoned ice house, after many transformations, is known as one of the largest sports complexes in NYC.
Now the space offers elevator service, parking, full health club, a spin room, aerobics, zumba, yoga, olympic style swimming pool, hot jacuzzi, sauna, swimming lessons, two soccer fields with plexiglass walls and astro-turf fields, children birthday party room with super size jumping castle and super slide, private dining rooms, and a penthouse catering hall with fine dining, dancing, and view of Manhattan.
All of the above given amenities were supervised by the owners with unbeatable customer service, dedicated professional staff and above all at unbeatable low prices.
The Complex has won many awards, and with each award received, it gave me the strength and vision to add more and more amenities and floor space, all for the community of Astoria.
My sincere thanks go to all of my loyal, dedicated employees that I had the pleasure of working with.
A special thanks go to my wonderful hard working children, Joseph, Paulete, and Victor. The complex is what it is today because of them.
My children first started coming to the complex when they were babies, to play basketball, help me with birthday parties and interact with other children. They came to learn the value of hard work and learn to love what they were doing, serving the customers and the community of Astoria with courtesy and respect.
Today more than ever, I am very proud of them and am proud to say that they are my children.
On a final note, I want to thank all my loyal customers. It was a pleasure serving you and I wish you good health and happiness.
It’s time for the president to hang up his keys and put on his dancing shoes and hope to God for good health and time to spend with my adorable family especially my grandchildren.
Best regards,
Steve.