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Perth Amboy Piranhas Special Olympics Swim Team Goes for Gold!!!

News Release 6/10/16

PERTH AMBOY – The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA, is pleased to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Perth Amboy Piranha’s Special Olympics Swim team. This weekend the Piranhas will be joining 2,500 athletes at the New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey.

The Piranhas have 17 qualified swimmers attending the event in a total of 29 individual events and 6 relays. For many of the athletes this will be their first time swimming at the Summer Games. Each one has worked extremely hard to be a part of this team and has committed to consistently bettering their strokes. Ages of the swimmers range from 6 years old to 26 years old.

The Perth Amboy Piranhas was conceived by the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, several parents, families, and volunteers that wanted an environment for individuals with disabilities to feel accomplished, not only in water, but with friendships as well. Instilling the importance of social interaction and lifelong relationships and connections is a vital mission for the Piranhas; celebrating birthdays, weekend trips, and encouraging friendships on and off the pool deck holds just as much water for coaches and parents as the time spent in the water.

From elementary-aged swimmers to those in their late teens on the brink of adulthood, these athletes have shown their coaches, their families, and their community how much ability and success can be found in contrast of a “disability”. Whether it was learning how to put their faces in the water or how to dive further off a block, these swimmers and their successes have been measured in the highest esteem; some, who have been swimming for several years now, have reached a level of competitiveness and prestige that seemed unfathomable only a few short years ago, and for the newest additions to the team, they are on their way of paving a future of progress and athleticism. The team is approaching the end of its first season together, only expecting years of attainment and improvement to come. The parent’s love the fact that they can cheer on their kid’s as they compete competitively and are extremely proud of all of their accomplishments.

Together, we are more than just a team; we are a family and support system. For more information on how you can join the Piranha’s Swim team next season, please contact the Aquatics Director, Samantha Burd, at 732.442.3632 extension 6516.

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