Special Olympics Hosts Swimming Competition
By Rachel Heimke
On Saturday, April 13, Special Olympics Alaska, Tanana Valley hosted a competitive swimming event. This organization hosts athletic events for people with special needs in the Tanana Valley area. Eighteen athletes competed in swimming this year.
One of these athletes is Drew Gorman. Gorman has been with Special Olympics for eight years. He has competed in swimming, bowling, track and field, Torch Run, and bocce.
“I love to work out with weights … to stay in shape,” said Gorman. “When I get in shape, I like to be encouraged, be inspired.”
He competed in the swimming event with overhead and butterfly strokes.
He feels he can be himself and share his life when he is doing events with Special Olympics. “I like to hear, not just myself, but to hear what other people have to say,” he said.
“The pool helps me focus, concentrate, relax, and clear my mind out,” said Gorman. “It makes me feel happy and stay positive. Positive thinking, positive thoughts, anything.”
Gorman was named Special Olympics Alaska Male Athlete of the Year for 2023.
Photo by Lucas Djeu
Samantha Gaston, 17, has been an assistant coach with Special Olympics swimming since 2022. Her older brother has been with Special Olympics since he was eight.
“I’ve kinda like watched him since I was a little kid, you know, do all the swimming for a long time, so it’s cool to be able to help,” said Gaston.
Gaston helps the athletes warm up and leads stretch sessions. She gets in the water to help the lower-ability swimmers compete.
“It means a lot to be able to help out,” said Gaston. “I feel honored.”
Photo by Rachel Heimke
Jeffrey and Anita Rentzel have had their son, Ryan McGuire, in the Special Olympics for five years. McGuire has been swimming for four years and competes in bowling and track and field.
“He likes to be athletic,” said Anita. “He’s very much into his exercises.”
The social aspect of Special Olympics events is crucial to this family. They said it helps with self-esteem and confidence and helps them feel camaraderie with their peers. Athletes can make “lifelong friends,” according to Anita.
“These young people, if they didn’t have Special O, probably wouldn’t participate in athletic events or competitions,” said Jeffrey. “It gives them a chance to compete with individuals with like disabilities.”
“We’re very thankful for our coaches and assistant coaches,” said Anita.
Carolyn Doll is the proud mother of Ryan Doll, 35. He started with Special Olympics when he was ten and had been swimming for four years.
“He loves it!” said Doll. “He just loves being busy. He’s in so many different things. He did powerlifting, bowling, and swimming, and I think they’re offering golfing this summer, so he’s going to do that, too. He doesn’t want to miss anything.”
Doll also values the social aspect of the Special Olympics. “They make new friends all the time,” she said. “They cheer each other on. They’re competitive, but they still want everybody to do well. There’s no jealousy… they just all get along together so well. They cheer for each other and want everybody to do good.”
“Kudos go out to the coaches who offer their time and the facilities. We’ve swam at Hamme Pool and West Scott. They work with us, they make room for us, and it’s wonderful,” said Doll.
To start the competition, the athletes came together and chanted the event's mantra. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Photo by Rachel Heimke