Vernon athletes put in some stellar results in the pool at the Special Olympics swimming regional qualifiers in 琉璃神社 last weekend.
Special Olympics Vernon sent 15 athletes and six coaches to the swim meet at H20 Saturday, April 6, where the swimmers looked to qualify for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Provincial Summer Games.
Vernon鈥檚 Eric Wesley won all four events he competed in. Aleese Watkins nearly did the same, finishing first in the 25 meter freestyle, first in the 50 metre freestyle, first in the 50 meter backstroke and second in the 25 meter backstroke.
Lexi Van Oyen placed first in both the 25 meter and 50 meter backstrokes, second in the 25 meter freestyle and third in the 50 meter freestyle.
Reid Nicholson won both the 25 meter and 50 meter freestyle events and placed third in the 25 meter backstroke.
Ava Johnson placed first in the 25 meter backstroke and the 25 meter freestyle, and added a third place finish in the 50 meter freestyle.
Other results included:
Josiah Broyden - third in 25 meter backstroke, second in 25 meter freestyle, fifth in 50 meter freestyle.
Corbin Brunton - fourth in 25 meter backstroke, third in 25 meter freestyle, fourth in 50 meter freestyle.
Josh Dugas - second in 25 meter backstroke, third in 25-meter breaststroke, third in 25 meter freestyle, fourth in 50 meter backstroke.
Darren Fisher - sixth in 25 meter backstroke, second in 25-meter butterfly, seventh in 25 meter freestyle, fifth in 50 meter freestyle.
Caleb Gawley - second in 25 meter backstroke, fourth in 25 meter freestyle, second in 50 meter freestyle.
Travis Mooney - third in 25 meter backstroke, second in 25 meter freestyle.
Christina Perkins - third in 25 meter backstroke, second in 25 meter freestyle, third in 50 meter backstroke, fifth in 50 meter freestyle.
鈥淓ven though some swimmers didn鈥檛 place higher in the events there were a lot of best times and the most important thing was they all had fun together,鈥� said Marc Fisher, local coordinator for Special Olympics Vernon.
Fisher highlighted the importance of Special Olympics for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
鈥淔or some it鈥檚 their only way to socialize, their only social event, it gets them active in the community,鈥� he said.
Special Olympics runs on a four-year cycle. This year was the regional qualifiers, and provincials will take place in July 2025 in Prince George. In 2026, Medicine Hat, Alta. will host nationals, and the World Games will take place in 2027. Chile and Indonesia have bids to host the World Games in 2027.
鈥淎ny expense for athletes to go to nationals and worlds is covered by Special Olympics, so that鈥檚 why the fundraising is so important,鈥� Fisher said. 鈥淎nybody that can help out with fundraising, we appreciate it.
Safeway is holding a fundraising push at the end of April, when cashiers will be asking for Special Olympics donations at the register. People can also donate online at .
Special Olympics Vernon is always looking for volunteers for its many sports. No experience is necessary and training is provided. Visit Special Olympics Vernon to learn more.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
