750 Athletes Compete At Massapequa Special Olympics Event

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Massapequa was the site of its very own Olympic competition Saturday as the Special Olympics New York Long Island Region Spring Games brought over 750 athletes from 58 teams to Berner Middle School to compete in swimming, tennis, track and field and weight lifting.

The festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony, including a parade of athletes, the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem. For the pledge, Massapequa student Jada Maroldo led the group. When it was anthem time, 2023 Massapequa alum Jesse Findling — fresh off his run on American Idol — lent his vocal talents, singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

After the pledge and the anthem, Massapequa Board of Education President Kerry Wachter, Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman, Vice President of Downstate Operations Diane Colonna and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder all delivered opening remarks. For each of the remarks, ASL students Emilio Egher and Nicole Heller provided sign language interpretation.

“This is a day that celebrates not only athletes and their achievements, but the very best of the human spirit, perseverance, joy and inclusion,” Massapequa Superintendent 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.”

There was also an Olympic Village at Berner, with a DJ, food trucks, games and vendors. More than 600 volunteers came together to make the day possible, including administrators, students and teachers from Massapequa as well as members of the community.

“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,” Colonna said. “They provided an exceptional day of authentic sports competition. We can’t wait until next year.”

In addition to the athletics and the village, there were honors conferred to a few important members of the community. Anthony Schibelli, who created the first of its kind Special Olympics training club at Nassau BOCES’ Seaman Neck Middle School, received a rising star award from Special Olympics New York, while 20-and 25-year veterans of Special Olympics New York Joe Amadeo and Ellen Schuster were recognized as hall of fame inductees.