Swimmers from four teams throughout southern New Jersey competed Sunday in the Special Olympics at the Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center.
Retired Ocean City Fire Department Captain Bill Slaughter first encouraged FMBA Local 27 to get involved with the Special Olympics swimming event in Ocean City, where his daughter Rachel is a member of the Stingrays.The event for area athletes with intellectual disabilities includes an opening parade, competitive events and podium awards ceremonies as in the traditional Summer and Winter Olympics.
The athletes remain true to the Special Olympics motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
In its almost 20 years, the meet has brought together a host of community volunteers, city representatives and members of the Ocean City Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association Local No. 27, including Training Officer Bill Martin, whose booming voice highlights the awards ceremonies.
“This is my favorite event in the state,” said Carmen Bannon, chief program development officer for Special Olympics New Jersey.
The hometown favorite Ocean City Stingrays are stacked with veteran swimmers, but the team is excited about the addition of new members, including Steven Brown, 15, and Ryan Feliciano, 9. The team is always open to new participants, according to Ocean City Aquatics and Fitness Center Director Karen Pratz.
See attached PDF for complete results.
