Game on! Special Olympics New York Returns to Farmingdale this May

It's time to get your game on as the Special Olympics New York, Long Island, returns in full force with its Spring Games on Saturday, May 21! The competition will take place in several locations in Farmingdale: Howitt Middle School, Farmingdale High School and Allen Park. 

The games return to the area after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year's event especially exciting for athletes, fans and the whole community! The Special Olympics is the world's largest sporting event for children and adults with disabilities, and events take place across the country and around the world. 

Participants will compete in track and field, swimming, powerlifting and tennis. 

“I can’t tell you how exciting it is for our Special Olympics athletes to have Spring Games back on the calendar,” Stacey Hengsterman, Special Olympics New York president and CEO, said. “Now, all we need are fans in the stands to cheer them on! Thank you to the entire Farmingdale School District community for making this signature competition and celebration of inclusion possible.”

Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics New York Spring Games in Long Island

Event organizers are expecting approximately 300 athletes and several hundred fans to attend. Since this is one of the largest events ever held at the schools, the Farmingdale school district is looking for volunteers to help out on game day. Volunteers are needed to escort athletes, help retrieve balls, organize heats and help with awards ceremonies. 

“We need tremendous community support to help this fantastic event run smoothly,” Paul Defendini, Farmingdale superintendent, said. 

Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals ages 14 and older. Kids younger than 14 can volunteer if accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone. Even children ages 7 and younger are encouraged to attend to be “fans in the stands,” school district officials said.