With the Newark Central School District hosting the Wayne-Finger Lakes Region Track & Field Event in partnership with Special Olympics New York on the campus of Newark High School May 29th, about 100 volunteers are being sought now to help facilitate this inspirational event for about 1000 student athletes from 25 Wayne and Ontario County school districts.
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“We are both thrilled and honored to host this Special Olympics event,’’ said Jonathan Mastin, Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics. “It’s an incredible experience, not only for these student athletes, but for everyone who helps in any way to make this day memorable.”
And that includes about 100 volunteers needed to perform many different tasks throughout the day.
“It’s an incredible experience, but it is a huge undertaking that will require many volunteers to have the event function seamlessly,’’ Mastin said.
Newark High School Principal Kelly A. Zielke said NHS students who want to volunteer, particularly 9-11th graders who want to earn Capstone volunteer community service hours, will likely be among them.
“Students will see sign-up sheets posted on StudentSquare to volunteer for times to come and help out,” Zielke said.
Mastin said community members can apply online here: https://forms.office.com/r/SAwxxNX7gt
In addition to the need for volunteers, the committee is actively seeking donors to help defray the $15,000 cost of fully funding the event.
At the January 21st Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Susan Hasenauer noted money donated will be used to purchase t-shirts for the student athletes and volunteers, medals and ribbons for participants, bottled water and more “Every dollar donated goes to pay for the event,” she said. “None of this goes to our district as we are just the host. So, we are looking to donors anywhere to make possible this unforgettable experience for these student athletes.”
Hasenauer said information about sponsorship opportunities is available online at: https://www.newarkcsd.org/o/athletics/page/special-olympics-2026
The event on May 29th will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. followed at 10 a.m. by the start of the Track and Field competition.
“This is really exciting,’’ Hasenauer said at the BOE meeting. “Anyone is welcome to come and watch these students participate and thrive. It’s very moving.”
She said Mastin and a team of NCSD administrators and department leaders are doing an “exceptional job” coordinating the event.
They include: Hasenauer, Paul Liess, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Christine VanDemortel, Committee on Special Education Chair, Teresa Prinzi, Director of Pupil Services, Jose Otero, Director of Security, J.W. Bement Director of Facilities, Mike Miller, Transportation Supervisor and Sue Yatteau, Chairperson of Proctors for athletic events.
“We have a very intensive, comprehensive plan for the day,’’ Hasenauer said.
Anyone with questions about event should contact Mastin at 315-332-3241. Questions about donations should be directed to VanDemortel at 315-331-3200x3201. Yatteau will answer questions about volunteer activities at susan.yatteau@newarkcsd.org. or at 315-573-6816.