For the last two years Rhonda Coleman has been involved with the Special Olympics-Hernando, and now is overseeing the program as Interim County Director, and she is also a mother of a Hammerheads aquatic athlete.
Since May 2, every Saturday morning the Hammerheads jump in the pool at the YMCA in Spring Hill to practice on a variety of swimming skills, from the 25 meter to the backstroke. The aquatics coaches and volunteers work closely with the athletes to see where they need more training and where they can excel for their upcoming competition in July.
“That being within this program you are witnessing the amazing strides that these athletes make at every practice,” Coleman said. “And when parents are surrounded by this positive energy this gives more encouragement and confidence for their children.
“It’s been a self-esteem booster for him; he is learning to help other athletes and that skill of leadership.” Leslie Clem said about her son.
This program offers an incentive and gives these athletes of all ages that have limitations the chance to be involved in a sport they would not necessarily be able to participate in. This creates the opportunity to socialize and to interact with others, as well get accustomed to being part of a group, achieve a goal, as well as learn to compete in a sport.
The Hammerheads not only have returning swimmers but new swimmers, as well. All new swimmers work with a coach or a volunteer, training one-on-one. Once they feel relaxed and confident they perform small, achievable goals. Each goal gets more challenging and the encouragement these athletes receive from everyone aims to raise their self-esteem.
During practice, the main goal for each athlete is to go from one end of the pool to the other. Some have the help of kickboards, while others depend on their own perseverance to reach the wall. The team and family cheer on the swimmers, clapping with excitement as each one completes their assigned goals.
Katie Kellogg, a Springstead High School student and member of the Springstead and YMCA swim teams, volunteers in the Special Olympics Aquatic program. She loves seeing the faces of the athletes when they achieve a goal. “I have had parents come up and hug me crying because they were so happy that their child touches the wall and they didn’t think they would” Kellogg said.
Parents of the athletes, as well as the adult athletes who are involved in this program, have praised the way this program brings in a family-oriented environment. The smiles and the joys of accomplishment are well-expressed throughout. Programs like the Special Olympics Aquatics attempt to build confidence for the athletes with intellectual disabilities. “Our goal is to build and grow a quality program for our athletes, coaches and volunteers.” Coleman said.
On July 25, the Hammerheads will start their competitive events at the YMCA. These athletes are competing against each other and their records set from last season. The newer athletes will be competing against their personal bests. Once the county games are completed, all the scores are recorded. The Hammerheads then will travel to Dunedin on Aug. 15 to compete in the Area 6 Aquatics Competition. Five counties will be participating in this competition: Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Sumter and Pinellas. “It’s an incredible booster and it’s a great goal for them to strive for,” Coleman said. “That added piece is just over the top incredible.”
The Special Olympics in Hernando County offers more than just aquatics. Some of the sport programs are softball, bowling, equestrian, plus track and field. The next top event for all these athletes is the Fall Classic on Nov. 13 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando.
To find out more information or to volunteer, visit http://specialolympicsflorida.org/hernando/
A final message from Anthony Teetsell, Special Olympics Hernando County’s Global Messenger and coach for the powerlifting program: “Come out and see what we are all about.”
