As the Monroe County Special Olympics basketball team makes its way to the state tournament this March, their swim team will hold its first official practice of the season in preparation for another Olympic year.
The organization, which thrives entirely on volunteers, brings people of all ages and abilities together, with some participating athletes as old as 79.
Barring enough resources and funding throughout the years, the Monroe County Special Olympics board has been able to offer its athletes just about every sport. From nearby stables to the local Classic Lanes, almost every activity has been possible with the help of Bloomington locals.
Some of those locals, like Connor Schmeckebier, are Bloomington high schoolers.
Schmeckebier, a member of the Bloomington South swim team, finds the position to be fun and rewarding.
Bloomington High School South swimmer, Connor Schmeckebier describes his experience with the Monroe County Special Olympics.
While the volunteers have their own reasons for their involvement, the organized team activity is beneficial for all the athletes in more ways than one.
“It helped him without him knowing it. It helped him with his legs because he has cerebral palsy, so it stretched them out,” said Denise Brown.
Justin Brown, Denise’s son, tried his hand in everything there is to offer, and found his passion to be swimming. He first discovered this in elementary school back in San Diego. After moving to Bloomington in 1998, his mother Denise found a place for him to further his swim career in Special Olympics.
Along with the physical benefits, Justin learns life lessons and makes friends along the way.
“It’s a socialization for him. He loves working with other athletes. Then a lot of times they’re hanging out at his apartment,” said Denise.
A typical practice for Justin looks just like any other competitive swimmer. A solid warm-up, timed laps, drills, and plenty of friendly banter. If they’re up for it by the end, the athletes get to do a few jumps of the diving board as well.
The team practices once a week until the national Special Olympics meet in July.
Justin Brown describes what he enjoys most about the Special Olympics.
Over time, Denise has gone from a parent spectator to being the one in charge as the county coordinator for Monroe County Special Olympics.
“I would love to say my favorite part is paperwork, but it’s not. I do like working with some athletes. I don’t do that as much as I used to since I’m the paperwork person now. But, I do like meeting the athletes and meeting the parents or caregivers,” said Denise.
With the loss of many of their student volunteers due to graduation in the spring, the program is looking to proactively fulfill volunteer positions.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Monroe County Special Olympics Facebook page.
