Nobody’s making a splash like Special Olympics swimmer Matthew Schuster, a 43-year-old testicular cancer survivor from Medford in Suffolk County.
“I’m the strongest kid on the block,” Schuster, who has Down syndrome, told The Post with a laugh.
He will be racing in several aquatic events, such as the 100-meter individual medley, this weekend as Special Olympics New York comes to Massapequa’s Berner Middle School — a feel-good event for over 700 Empire State challengers making their way to the Town of Oyster Bay.
Schuster (inset) has devoted his world to the games since he was just a little boy and is the de facto Mr. Olympia, having also competed in floor hockey, basketball, golf, softball and bocce.
“It’s my whole life,” he said.
The 5-foot Schuster, who often speaks publicly on behalf of the Games, has won gold so many times in each event he’s participated in that Schuster and his family have lost count.
“It’s around 100, I think,” said Schuster, who has been cancer-free since early 2020.
And this year, he’s earned a first-time achievement. Schuster will swim with Team USA at the national games in Minnesota this June.
“It’s my dream come true,” he said.
Long Island will host a pair of charity softball games this weekend, with proceeds going to worthy causes.
Massapequa will play Oceanside at home Friday at 6 p.m., with admission fees going to the Connor Kasin Foundation, named in honor and memory of the former hockey player who died on the ice from a heart condition.
Hewlett will host Baldwin at 2 p.m. Saturday for the Rowyn Grace Classic, a game named for Hewlett coach Jonathon Welsh’s 3-year-old daughter, who is bravely fighting a rare genetic disorder.
American Soccer Club opens its season at Mitchel Field at 6 p.m. Saturday against the New York Shockers of the NPSL. Recently retired longtime Hofstra head men’s soccer coach Richard Nuttall will be honored for his decades of contributions to the pitch on Long Island.
