Donning swim caps and goggles, 175 competitors from the Florida Keys and Miami took their marks for the Special Olympics Florida South Region – Area 8 South Games on July 19 at the Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo. Representing Monroe County in the pool was a team of seven swimmers from Key West. Special Olympics swimming events include a variety of distances and strokes, catering to different skill levels. Participants can compete in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, as well as individual and relay events.
A pump issue prevented the games from taking place at Islamorada’s Ron Levy Aquatics Center, resulting in the games being moved up the road to the Jacobs Aquatic Center. Ruth Coleman, sports training manager for Monroe County, said the venue switch was made possible thanks to the community. “If this happened in Miami, the games probably would have been canceled,” she said. “They (the community) jumped through hoops and made it happen.”
Coleman said next year’s swim games will likely see more Florida Keys representation with a new swim team beginning in the Upper Keys. Coleman said they’re seeking more coaches within the Keys community; those interested can email ruthcoleman@sofl.org or call 305-923-0288.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
