Tremendous pride filled the grounds of Berner Middle School on May 2, as thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and spectators arrived for opening ceremony of 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, who proudly walked down the track behind their school banners and onto the turf field as Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Brennan announced each team. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Massapequa student Jada Maroldo and the national anthem was sung by Jesse Findling, a 2023 Massapequa High School graduate and recent American Idol contestant.
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. “Our athletes are here to show us what it truly means to lead with heart. Here in Massapequa, we take great pride in who we are – a community grounded in tradition, strengthened by unity and defined by how we show up for one another, without hesitation and without limits.”
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.
Commissioner Ryder and officers from the 7th Precinct accompanied Massapequa athletes for the torch-lighting ceremony. The torch bearer was Massapequa student Lucas Friedman, and joining him were Grace Brown, Luke Casale, Ivan Gribko and Olivia Razzano. Olivia led the crowd in the Special Olympics oath before officially launching the competition by exclaiming, “Let the games begin.”
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.
An Olympic village at Berner Middle School included a DJ, food trucks, games and vendors. Special Olympics New York was supported by more than 600 volunteers including Massapequa students, administrators, teachers and community members.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Massapequa School District and for the way they welcomed over 750 Special Olympics New York athletes into their community,” Ms. Colonna said. “They provided an exceptional day of authentic sports competition. We can’t wait until next year.”
Photo captions:
1: Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and torch bearer Lucas Friedman walked along the track with 7th Precinct police officers and other Massapequa athletes during the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics New York Long Island Region Spring Games at Berner Middle School on May 2.
2: Massapequa athletes, accompanied by their buddies and volunteers, were ready to compete in track and field events throughout the day.
3: Massapequa High School alumni and recent American Idol contestant Jesse Findling sang the national anthem during the opening ceremony. He was joined by Jada Maroldo, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Superintendent Dr. William Brennan.
4: Ames Campus athlete Ryan O’Fee competed in the softball throw, one of the field events.
5: Runners take their spots at the starting line for one of the track events.
6: Powerlifting took place in the Berner Middle School gymnasium.
7: Massapequa Board of Education trustees and administrators, along with Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, were thrilled to host the spring games of Special Olympics New York for the first time.
Photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District
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