A tiring, hour-long swimming practice, filled with conditioning and relay practice comes to a close. The swimmers climb out of the pool, ready to swim again later in the week. For a competitor on Roosevelt’s Special Olympics’ swim team, this is a typical schedule.

For the developmentally disabled students in the community, participating in the Special Olympics gives them an opportunity to be challenged physically, and provides them with a chance to form friendships with others. Students both from Roosevelt and Happy Day School can compete in swimming and track events, taking place in December and May, respectively. Practices for swimming were generally held two nights a week, and were hard work for the athletes.

“Some of my kids could beat some of [the swimmers on Roosevelt’s team],” Linda Ferlito, team coach, said. “It gives them a sense of pride.” This is her twelfth year as coach, and Roosevelt’s twelfth year competing in the Special Olympics.

On Dec. 17 and 18, the Special Olympics for swimming were held at Ohio State University, where over 1,000 students competed. Ferlito’s team consisted of six swimmers, three of whom currently attend Roosevelt. Senior Patricia Cole won a silver medal and placed fifth, senior Laura Smith placed fifth twice, and freshman Andrew Sickle won a gold and bronze medal in the freestyle swimming event.

“[The competition] is a lot of fun,” Ferlito said. The trip isn’t all work for the students; the team also spends the night at a hotel, and has a swim party in the pool as well.

“It’s a real joy for their parents, too,” Ferlito said.

According to Ferlito, the participants demonstrate a real love for the game. Not only do they encourage their own teamates, but show excitement for the students on opposing teams when they do something well. After the meet, the competitors shake hands and offer hugs to all who participated in the event, win or lose.

“Their sense of fair play is so well developed,” Ferlito said.