Rain can’t bring these kids down: 9/11 Flag Football hosts welcoming rally, announces girls’ division at Bloomingdale Park (photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It rained cats, dogs and flag footballers Monday evening in Bloomingdale Park.

9/11 Flag Football hosted its welcoming rally to kick off the season. League founder Mike Fidanza, a former member of NYPD, gave a moving speech, where he pleaded with parents to “let kids be kids.” He also expressed how important it is to him to keep the memory of those lost in the 9/11 attacks.