Athletes Compete In Special Olympics Fall Classic On Long Island

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The fifth annual Special Olympics Fall Classic was held on Long Island Saturday.

From bocce, to softball, to soccer, and cross country, over 400 athletes competed in Hicksville for the Fall Classic, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

"It just is like another family. Once you get involved or volunteer, coach or athlete, you're hooked," said Douglas Patterson, who has competed in the past. "You can't stop doing it, it's contagious."

Matthew Schuster played on the softball team.

"To be here today, to have fun and stay happy and smile all around," he said.

The best part of the event, the director told Hall, is that everyone is a winner.