SEASPAR Hosts 38th Annual Swim Meet for Athletes with Disabilities

Submitted by SEASPAR.

DOWNERS GROVE, IL – On Saturday, November 19, the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) hosted its 38th annual Swim Meet for athletes with disabilities at the Downers Grove North High School.

The event began in 1978 with the sponsorship of the Downers Grove Kiwanis Club, and the Kiwanis Club continues to support the Swim Meet today. It is SEASPAR’s longest-running athletic event.

The 2016 SEASPAR/Kiwanis Swim Meet hosted Special Olympics Aquatics teams from the Fox Valley, Lily Cache, Northern Illinois, Northwest, West Suburban, and Western DuPage Special Recreation Associations, as well as the Libertyville Stars Swim Club.

A total of 145 athletes competed in 18 events, including Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle, and Relay events. Most athletes competed in two individual events and one relay.

The Libertyville Stars Swim Club took first place in the Swim Meet with wins in seven individual events and one relay. SEASPAR and the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association took second and third place, respectively, each with wins in two individual events and one relay.

Volunteers from Benet Academy, Downers Grove North High School, Express Swim Team, Level UP Basketball, and the community all worked to make the event a success.

SEASPAR trains athletes for Special Olympics competitions in alpine skiing, aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball, bocce, bowling, cross country skiing, flag football, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, snowshoeing, tennis, and volleyball. SEASPAR’s athletes compete in Special Olympics events throughout the year.

For more information about SEASPAR’s Special Olympics program or other recreational programs and services for individuals with disabilities, visit SEASPAR.org or call 630-960-7600.

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Photo courtesy of SEASPAR