Fourteen Special Olympics athletes from the Islip School District and over 20 student volunteers traveled to Plainedge High School on May 4 to compete in the Special Olympics New York Spring Games North.

After four months of weight training with coach Gian Villante and speed training with coach Dave Claps, the team was ready to compete. Track and field events at the Games included the 25-meter assisted walk, 50-meter run, 50-meter motorized wheelchair slalom, 100-meter walk, 200-meter run, 400-meter run, shot put, and tennis, softball and Turbojav throws. Islip’s team were podium regulars that day, taking home numerous gold medals with their peer volunteers right beside them to cheer them on.  

“The district could not be prouder of the athletes’ efforts and the efforts of our many volunteers who showed up that day as well as those who showed up for the four months prior,” physical education teacher Patricia Whitehouse said.

Date Added: 6/17/2024