Sore losers? How about good sports! On Sunday, March 13, the WHBHS gymnasium was filled with high-spirited athletes ready to participate in the fourth annual New York Long Island Region Special Olympics basketball tournament. With over 100 volunteers and over 100 athletes, it was certain the event would be a great time.
The basketball tournament took place in the school gymnasium while crafts and activities at the “Olympic Village” were available to volunteers and athletes as well. The Olympic Village, set up in the school cafeteria, consisted of different booths put together by various school clubs. At these booths, there was face painting, bead making, picture frame making, and dancing. Both the volunteers and athletes especially enjoyed dancing to the DJ, which was new to the event.
Believe it or not, events like the Special Olympics basketball tournament can be more beneficial than it may seem. Volunteers usually end up with fresh, new outlooks that weren’t apparent to them prior, as well as feelings of selflessness and accomplishment.
Sam Lacetera, a student at WHBHS and a Special Olympics volunteer, has participated at all four tournaments held at the school.
“It’s a good experience for the volunteers and athletes,” she says. She loves being able to interact with the athletes, and believes the Olympic Village is one of the major ways in which this happens. “I’m definitely going to do this again in the future,” she concludes.
Liana Fitt, WHBHS junior, also had a good experience at the event. “It was really nice to see how happy everyone was. There were a lot of good feelings, and it just felt good.”
Of course, without dedicated individuals like WHBHS senior Haley Schoeck, who ran the event, the Special Olympics may never have taken place this year.
Haley Schoeck was given the responsibility to run the Special Olympics basketball tournament at WHBHS after Joelle Dorskind graduated. Joelle was the original creator of the event two years ago.
The steps Haley took for this to happen were nearly exhausting. Between securing a date, filling out building use forms, getting approval by Mr. Herr, keeping in contact with a regional director, and meeting with the school’s student government, the whole process took months of planning.
Her involvement and huge contribution began when she was just an 8th grader. As part of the National Junior Honor Society, she decided to participate and see what it was all about. After that day, she knew she would keep going back every year.
“The athletes are so positive and motivated. Every year, they amaze me so much more,” said Haley.
Although this event required much of Haley’s time and devotion, she believes seeing the athletes’ enjoyment during the tournament makes all her work worth it.
“They aren’t here to beat anybody. They care about having fun and being with people their own age,” Haley says.
The day as a whole was a huge success, and coaches commented on how great the volunteers were, as well as how smoothly everything ran. New Hide Park Nights came to winning the Division 1 Tournament. With all the generous volunteers, donations from six local delis, and the help from various school clubs, Haley isn’t quite sure if she’ll be able to top this event next year.
Plenty of inspiration was spread through out the tournament. WHB high school was filled with sportsmanship, good spirits, and great basketball skills.