Mansfield ISD Special Olympics Team hosts swim meet
[June 23, 2010 - Updated, June 29]
“When you see the athletes' faces at this event you always see a smile.”
On Saturday, June 26, the Mansfield ISD Special Olympics Team hosted the Fourth Annual Invitational Swim Meet at the District's Natatorium.
Over 140 athletes from various Special Olympic Delegations participated in this annual event.
“So many times a student with special needs does not have a place to shine,” said Joan Hart, MISD All-Stars Aquatics Head Coach and Reid Elementary Counselor.
“When you see the athletes' faces at this event you always see a smile. They are so happy to be able to achieve their goal.”
After the event athletes will move onto the Area Games in Keller. Middle and high school students will have the opportunity to move onto the 2010 Fall Classic (aquatics) state games next October in Pearland, Texas.
Athletes
The MISD is proud to have 45 athletes entered in the Swim Meet. Some of the swimmers will be participating in developmental swimming which consist of flotation races, assisted swimmers and a 15 meter unassisted swim.
The majority of the swimmers will participate in various races which include a 25 yard freestyle and backstroke all the way up to 400 yard freestyle. Breaststroke and butterfly are also part of this spectacular event.
An athlete favorite at event are the relays. Additionally, unified relays also are an important part of the meet. A unified partner is a peer who trains alongside an athlete participating in Special Olympics.
Community Support
Volunteers from across the community are crucial in helping this event take place. This year, the Fourth Annual Invitational Swim Meet will have more community volunteer support than in previous years.
“The voluteers play a vital role,” says Hart on the importance of the event's community support.
“They do everything from timing, staging, escorting and awarding our athletes ribbions. We are so grateful for all they do. Without them the swim meet would not take place.”
The MISD is proud to have 45 athletes entered in the Swim Meet. Some of the swimmers will be participating in developmental swimming which consist of flotation races, assisted swimmers and a 15 meter unassisted swim.