Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators gathered at Berner Middle School in Massapequa on May 2 to mark the 56th annual Special Olympics New York Long Island Region Spring Games presented by Northwell Health and in partnership with the Massapequa School District and Town of Oyster Bay.
More than 750 athletes from 58 teams competed in four events – powerlifting, swimming, tennis and track and field. The opening ceremony featured a parade of athletes as Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Brennan announced each team.
The opening ceremony also featured welcoming remarks from Massapequa Board of Education President Kerry Wachter, Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman, Vice President of Downstate Operations Diane Colonna, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and American Sign Language students Emilio Egher and Nicole Heller provided interpretation throughout the ceremony.
“This is a day that celebrates not only athletes and their achievements, but the very best of the human spirit, perseverance, joy and inclusion,” Dr. Brennan said.
Ms. Hengsterman honored three coaches for their contributions to the program. She presented a Rising Star award to Anthony Schibelli who created the first-ever Special Olympics training club at the Nassau BOCES Seaman Neck Middle School. She also recognized Hall of Fame inductees Joe Amadeo, a coach for 20 years with Special Olympics New York, and Ellen Schuster, whose coaching career has spanned 25 years.
The powerlifting and track and field events took place throughout the day at Berner Middle School, with tennis held at nearby Marjorie Post Park. The Farmingdale School District’s aquatic complex hosted swimming. Medal ceremonies took place throughout the day after each event. From the Massapequa School District, 41 athletes from four teams – East Lake Elementary, McKenna Elementary, Berner/Ames and Massapequa High School – took part in track and field events.