Inwood's David Hance saves the day for Karate team from Trinidad and Tobago

A team of karate experts from Trinidad and Tobago were stranded with no place on Monday after their flight back home was cancelled at John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

Inwood Civic Association President and local businessman David Hance was able to provide housing and more to the karate team at an investment home of his.

At North Woodmere Park on Thursday, County Executive Bruce Blakeman acknowledged Hance's efforts. 

"He is an outstanding citizen and is always one to step up to the plate when called upon to help people in the community and outside the community," he said.  "His friend Lenny who he does business with lives in Lawrence and Lenny told David about their flight and David sprun into action to make sure that they would be taken care of." 

Lenny Panan also provided housing for the karate experts. Panan obtained a black belt at the same Trinidad School.

The team's coach, Christoper Francis, presented Hance with a gold medal for his efforts in helping them secure temporarily housing. 

"This medal is what we give to presidents or prime ministers and this medal is fitting for someone like David," Francis said. "The students want to give (this) to the man who rescued them."

The team was taking part in an international competition where they won over 40 medals, including 18 gold medals. 

19 members flew back home on June 30 and 11 boarded a flight the following day.