64 schools representing 16 countries add up to an unforgettable day of excitement
NEWARK, N.J. – More than 2,500 students from Newark Public Schools came together for a day of friendly competition, cultural pride, and community spirit at the inaugural Newark Games held Tuesday at Schools Stadium.
Under a cool, overcast, and misty sky, the Newark Games brought students, teachers, administrators, and Board of Education members together to celebrate spirited competition and the cultural representation of Newark’s diversity. At the day’s end, it was Team Haiti who won the Gold Medal, Team China won Silver, and Ecuador and Egypt tied for Bronze. Team Morocco won the Newark Games’ Spirit Award and Team USA won the Sportsmanship Award.
“Today was an absolutely incredible example of the collective genius and greatness of our staff and student body,” said Superintendent Leon in a message to district and school staff after the event. “Together, we were able to model for the world and each other that we are stronger and better when we work together. We do have 64 schools, but we are clearly one district. We modeled that today.”
Each of the district’s 64 schools sent 40 students to participate in the Newark Games. A total of 16 teams competed, comprised of students from different schools from pre-K to 12th grade and representing the countries that most reflected the cultural backgrounds of Newark Public Schools students and their families. In addition to the medal-winning countries, teams represented Great Britain, Jamaica, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, France, Portugal, Nigeria, Spain, Ghana, and Puerto Rico. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, its unique cultural identity for our students was recognized for the Newark Games.
“The Newark Games were a shining example of everything that makes our district special –diversity, unity, and the unstoppable spirit of our students,” said Hasani K. Council, President of the Newark Board of Education. “Seeing students from all grade levels and cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate one another and compete with pride was truly inspiring. This event reminded us that while our schools are many, our mission is one: to empower every student through excellence, equity, and community.”
Energy filled the air as a deejay kept the beat pumping and the students who packed the stands, cheered on the competitors in the Newark Games’ 16 events. Main events included sprint relays across all of the grades, three-legged races, potato sack races, cup stack relays, and the newly coined “unite and pull” contest (a friendly twist on tug-of-war to a tug of peace). Side games like corn hole, ring toss, and a Connect Four relay added to the fun.
The day reached its peak with final championships in the unite and pull, an obstacle course challenge, and the most anticipated event: the final sprint relay. In this powerful display of unity, students passed the baton from pre-K to 12th grade, symbolizing collaboration across ages and schools.
- CLICK HERE to see some of the action from the district’s first Newark Games. (The final relay is at 2:47:47.)
Superintendent León closely followed the day’s progress and joined Team Haiti at center field for a celebratory moment, capping off an unforgettable day of unity and pride. He thanked and acknowledged many staff members who helped make the day possible beginning with Elizabeth Aranjo, Director of Physical Education, Health, & Athletics. It happened to be Ms. Aranjo’s birthday on Tuesday.