Hewlett High School hosts Friendship Games

The fourth-annual Friendship Games at Hewlett High School can’t compare in scope with the 92 nations that competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, but the seven local schools that took part in the May 21 event medaled in fun.

The weather was perfect as special needs students from all five schools in the Hewlett-Woodmere district, as well as from Lawrence Middle School, Lawrence High School, East Rockaway and Lynbrook high schools danced, played and socialized on the football field.

Organized by Hewlett High School’s Leaders Club, it offers special needs students from across the area to take part in a fun day of activities outside. There was an obstacle course, games, an inflatable slide and an ice cream truck, which was funded by the district’s Special Education PTA.

Abby Samlin, a physical education teacher at Hewlett High and a Leaders Club co-adviser, explained why they began holding this event. “A lot of schools hold field days, and sometimes [the special needs students] aren’t included,” she said. “So we wanted to give them their own field day.”

Dominick Valenti, a Hewlett High senior, has taken part in all four events over his high school career. He and fellow senior, Jake Zuckerman, carried the torch for the opening ceremony.

Valenti said that he likes to have the opportunity to run around, and Melissa Pantelis, the other co-adviser, agreed that, “It’s a good chance for kids to let loose at the end of the year,” she said.

The Leaders Club hosted a dance for the local community of special needs students last November. Club co-president Jared Lake said that the goals of both are similar, but the Friendship Games is larger and lasts all day. However, he believes the amount of work it takes is worth it. “I like seeing the smiles on everyone’s face,” he said. “It lets all the kids run around and do what they want for a day … It’s a good way to start off the summer.