RCY Celebrates 30 Years of Special Olympics in Flemington

FLEMINGTON - River Crossing YMCA hosted the 30th Annual Special Olympics Hunterdon-Warren County swim competition at the Deer Path branch on Saturday March 21. A total of 40 athletes competed in 18 aquatics events throughout the day, including individual medleys and team relays.

The Hunterdon County Dolphins achieved 37 medals, competing against athletes representing Team Limitless from Passaic County, the Mercer Sailfish, the Montgomery Mariners, the Morris Manta Rays, Hopewell Valley YMCA, and the Warren Arc Stingrays. The meet qualified athletes to advance to regional competition, where swimmers will have the chance to continue on to state final summer games. All 12 Hunterdon swimmers qualified for regionals this year.

"We couldn't be more proud of the athletes who worked as hard as they did to swim in today's meet," shared Rita Read, head coach of the Special Olympics Hunterdon County YMCA Dolphins. "It is remarkable to be here hosting this swim meet for our 30th year. We are so grateful for the support of the YMCA staff and volunteers at the Deer Path branch. Without them, we would not be able to continue this wonderful event year after year."

During opening ceremonies, YMCA officials recognized athlete Brian Ellis, who began competing in the meet in 1994, and has participated in nearly every one since then. Volunteers included members of the Readington Police Dept., who hand out the medals to the athletes on the podium to honor their accomplishments.

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 swim meet has been conducted annually at the Deer Path branch since then, but for the years the event was precluded by the pandemic. The Dolphins practice at the Deer Path branch of River Crossing YMCA, led by an all-volunteer crew of parents and coaches. The swim meet brings together the Special Olympics coaches and volunteers with HCY Stingray parents and coaches to administer the event itself.