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Special Olympics, SOAR to host expanded swim program

Brunswick News - 10/9/2018

Oct. 09--Special Olympic of Coastal Georgia and the nonprofit SOAR are partnering to host a six-week swimming program for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

SOAR, or Social Opportunities & Active Recreation, provides social opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. The nonprofit has hosted an annual summer swim camp called iCan Swim for the past two summers.

This new program will expand on the education provided during the week-long summer camp, said Tracy Taylor, the program director.

"It's going to be a six-week program to practice the skills that we talked about over the summer, but also to prepare those that are interested in getting ready for the Special Olympics," Taylor said.

The program is open to ages 7 and older. The program will be hosted again in the winter and spring.

The first six-week session will begin Oct. 25. The program will take place on Thursday evenings at the YMCA in Brunswick.

"We're going to do a local Special Olympics at the end of the six weeks," Taylor said.

Adaptive aquatics instructors who taught the summer camp will run the new program.

Taylor is currently seeking volunteers to work with the swimmers and help with the program. Each swimmer will be paired with a volunteer.

Taylor said helping others learn to swim is a rewarding experience, and she encouraged volunteers to sign up.

"It makes you feel good when you see their smiling faces," she said.

The goal of the program is to help people with developmental disabilities be safe in the water. Living in coastal Georgia, Taylor said, makes knowing how to swim a priority.

"We live in an area where there's so much water," she said. "The water is also something they can get in and it sets their bodies free, especially if they're wheelchair-bound."

Those interested in registering for the swim program or volunteering can contact Taylor by emailing tracytaylor331@gmail.com or by calling 912-580-2231.

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