April 11, 2023
FLEMINGTON - YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties hosted the annual Special Olympics Area 4 swim meet at its Deer Path branch in Flemington on March 18. 34 athletes competed for medals in 16 aquatic events at the first area meet since 2019.
The Hunterdon County YMCA Dolphins achieved 25 medals, including 22 gold, competing against athletes representing the Montgomery Mariners, Somerset Hills YMCA Sea Wasps and Bridgewater JCC Rising Tide. The meet qualified athletes to advance to sectional competition, where swimmers hope to qualify for state final summer games.
“It was really exciting to be able to host this swim meet for the first time after being away for three years,” said Rita Read, Head Coach of the Special Olympics Hunterdon County YMCA Dolphins. “Our athletes and coaches have been practicing since October to prepare for this meet. We are so grateful for the support of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties staff and volunteers, as well as athletes and parents from the Hunterdon County YMCA Stingrays. Without them, there could be no swim meet here for our area.”
The Hunterdon County YMCA Dolphins Special Olympics swim team was formed in 1994 following years of special needs swim instruction held at the Y. The area swim meet has been conducted annually at the Deer Path branch since then. The Dolphins practice at the Y, led by an all-volunteer crew of parents and coaches. The Area 4 swim meet brings together the Special Olympics coaches and volunteers with HCY Stingray parents and coaches to administer the event itself.
“We are so proud of our Special Olympics athletes,” said Flora Mannino, director of aquatics for the Hunterdon Region of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “Their performance was inspiring. No one leaves this event without having been touched by the passion, joy and athleticism displayed by the swimmers. There were so many incredible moments where the athletes showed courage, determination and grit.”
Along with staff and volunteers representing both the YMCA and Special Olympics of NJ, officers from Readington Police Department were on hand to present medals during awards ceremonies.
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 49,000 members and participants at its six member branches, seven child development centers, and 13 camp locations across Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties provides over $5 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcabhc.org.
Photo caption:
Special Olympics athletes Catherine Reischman (HCY Dolphins), Lindsay Fulop (HCY Dolphins), Katie McGee (Somerset Hills Y Sea Wasps), Daisy DeSimone (Somerset Hills Y Sea Wasps) and Philip Sosidko (HCY Dolphins) prepare to present Opening Ceremonies at the March 18 Area 4 Special Olympics Swim Meet at the Deer Path Branch of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.