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No. 16 • Vol. 3
www.mypaperonline.com
March 2019
Special Olympics Swimmers Train at The YMCA in Livingston
S
By Elise Phillips Margulis pring means training time for the Special Olympics Aquatics team at the West Essex YMCA in Livingston. Developed by Eileen Larney 5 years ago, the program includes 30 children and adults between the ages of 8 and 40. The team is called the Piranhas and is comprised of participants who have various intellectual disabilities. Scott Weber, Senior Director of Aquatics says, “The YMCA believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and be part of a supportive community. Regular practices in the pool and competitions help teammates stay healthy, build relationships, and experience a sense of achievement. This is now the fifth year of Piranhas swimming and our team keeps growing. We are excited to help our swimmers reach their goals this year and have fun competing against the best at the Special Olympics.” The program is free and
swimmers and their families enjoy gym, exercise equipment, and pool privileges from early March until the end of the Special Olympic swimming season. The Kiwanis Club is the Program Champion of the Piranhas. They have been working with the YMCA for decades. The Kiwanis Club raises money to help children with special needs. The YMCA, in turn, sends volunteers to help at Kiwanis events. Last year the Piranhas gained another sponsor. The Elks organization has provided funds for team equipment and special events. Parents of the Piranhas are very happy with the Special Olympics. One mom, Peggy Romano, offered the following testimony: “My son Mikey has been a part of the Piranhas for the past few years. As he has a dual diagnosis of both down syndrome and autism with significant cognitive deficits this has been a team experience in a sport that he has been
working on for almost his entire 17 years. To participate an individual must be able to swim at least 25 yards without guidance in the pool. This was a lot to achieve for him and we celebrate that the Y has this program and he can participate. Coach Larney and her dedicated staff give countless hours to make this program thrive and be fun for so many children as well as adults. She personally cooks the food (including meatballs) for the team pasta
party before the first meet and also coordinates an end of season swim party with a barbecue and awards ceremony. “It is a true swim team experience for our athletes. It has been exciting for me to see that our local Elks have taken such an interest in supporting the team, the support is so needed and appreciated!” Larney says. For more information about the program email sweber@ metroymcas.org.