HAMILTON, N.Y. (3/31/2010) – Last weekend, the Colgate men's and women's swimming & diving teams hosted a Special Olympics event consisting of close to 60 participants from several chapters located in Upstate New York.
For almost four hours, the Raiders swimmers were hands on in the water demonstrating starts, turns as well as stroke technique. Relay races were also in the schedule of events to bring healthy competition among the participants. Colgate swimming has hosted this event for the past six years and it always seems to have heavy impact on team members, giving each of them a different perspective in a variety of ways.
“This event gives our student/athletes a different perspective on swimming in a fun environment,” said head coach Stephen Jungbluth. “When we see the smiles on their faces, we know that we did something good for someone with our sport and that transcends what we do in our competition pool.”
The clinic officially kicked off a series of events Special Olympians will take part in during the spring and summer months. This event is something the team members look forward to hosting each year.
“Our team always looks forward to the Special Olympics because it is really just about making sure everyone has fun,” said sophomore Emily Kelly (Potomac, Md.). “The Special Olympians love coming to us and it is really rewarding to interact with the athletes. They are constantly laughing and their excitement really makes the entire experience enjoyable. Honestly, working with the Special Olympians is more rewarding for us than anything else.
“The athletes see life differently; they don't get frustrated when they could, they get excited for every event that comes their way, and they welcome you into their lives freely and openly,” continued Kelly. “The Special Olympians have a huge impact on our team, and I can't wait for the Olympians to come back next year.”
Other teammates concur with Kelly's comments and are already looking forward to their return in 2011.
“After working with the Special Olympic teams for three years, it has become an event I look forward to every spring,” said junior Caren Guyett (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.). “I really love working with the swimmers, organizing relays and leading clinics. Their passion for the sport of swimming is refreshing and inspiring.”
