Photo courtesy of East Islip School District
East Islip’s Special Olympics team – featuring 11 dedicated athletes from East Islip High School, East Islip Middle School, Cleary School for the Deaf and alumni – successfully competed in the Special Olympics New York Spring Games North, hosted by Plainedge High School.
The festivities began a day earlier with the annual kickoff breakfast at the high school, attended by the athletes, coaches, family members, SEPTO and East Islip administration. High school volunteers proved invaluable in setting up and helping throughout the breakfast.
Family and fans in the stands cheered on East Islip’s athletes at the Games as they competed in a variety of track events including the 25-meter assisted walk, 50-meter motorized wheelchair slalom, 50-meter run, 100-meter walk, 200-meter run and 400-meter run, and field events such as tennis and softball throw, Turbojav throw and shot put. East Islip brought home 10 gold medals, eight silver medals, two bronze medals and two fourth-place ribbons.
“We lucked out with a beautiful day for the event,” said Diane Wahrenburg, who coaches East Islip with Julie Susskind. “Our team showed outstanding sportsmanship and perseverance, and put forth an amazing effort throughout the training season and during the competition. Their smiles in the pictures are worth a thousand words. We, and all of our additional coaches, volunteers, family members and administrators, are extremely proud of all of these athletes. Can’t wait until next year!”
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