Koru visits Special Olympics swimmers

Swimming New Zealand’s mascot Koru the Kiwi dropped in to say hello to some of the Hamilton Special Olympic swimmers and their coach David Slone recently.

Special Olympics is a programme for young people and adults with an intellectual disability. Athletes can be as young as five and there is no upper age limit.

The Hamilton swimming team train at Waterworld on Sunday evenings from 5-6pm and Coach David Slone is ably assisted by Sue Woods and Swimming New Zealand Education Advisor Wendy Smith in the water.

The swimming team compete under the same FINA rules as club swimmers with one exception for swimmers that are not permitted to dive for medical reasons, they are able to start in the water but one hand must be touching the wall above the water line or starting block.

As well we helping develop physical fitness and motor skills for these swimmers it also gives them a great environment to build self-confidence and lasting friendships.