Special Olympics Oceanside swimmers Amada Stewart and Brodie Stevens will compete at the coming BC Summer Games in Prince George.
Both athletes will be members of Special Olympics Team B.C. at the games, taking place July 21 to July 24. They are excited to be competing at the provincial event, featuring close to 2,500 competitors coming from 170 communities across the province.
Coach Jim McKinlay said their regular swim season ended in mid-March and both swimmers had to refocus to get back up to speed.
“They have been working hard over the past four weeks and their times are showing solid improvement,” said McKinlay. “Amanda’s times for her events are all very close to her qualifying times for the Comox Swim Meet back in March. Brodie’s times for his events are actually better than his qualifying times for the Comox meet. Both are very keen and are working very hard and that’s all we can ask for as they get ready.”
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Stewart will be competing in the 50-metre backstroke, 50 and 100 breaststroke, 50 and 100 freestyle and the 50 butterfly.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,” said Stewart. “I’ve been doing lots of extra swimming to get ready, been watching my diet and doing lots of drawing for relaxation as I get ready. I’m really excited about going to the Summer Games.”
Stevens is also entered in a a number of events that include the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke, and 200 backstroke.
“I am getting ready by packing all of my gear and bringing lots of water to stay hydrated,” said Stevens. “For the competitions, I’m focusing on the freestyle and backstroke events, which are my strongest ones.”
— NEWS Staff