Over 500 athletes will assemble at Hicksville's Cantiague Park on Saturday, Sept. 18 for the 1999 New York Special Olympics Fall Classic. New York Special Olympics athletes will be going for the gold in soccer, softball and golf skills and team competitions as well as cross country running in this primer to the State Fall Games in Binghampton on Oct. 1 - 2.

Special Olympics athletes from New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley Region will compete at this sectional competition. Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies and the lighting of the Flame of Hope. Competition in all five sports begins at 11:30 a.m.

Along with the traditional Olympic pageantry, there will be an Olympic Village where athletes, volunteers and spectators can enjoy many games and activities. All events are free and open to the public. For more information or to volunteer, call 661-3963.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympians and the community. Founded in 1970, New York Special Olympics is the largest chapter of Special Olympics in the United States, providing sports opportunities to more than 40,000 athletes statewide through a network of 30,000 volunteers.