“Did you see the way he was checkin’ out your backstroke, Nella? Too bad his Speedo matches the color of your swim cap.”
Swimming is a great form of exercise for anybody, but it is particularly great for people with Down syndrome. Because most people with DS have lower muscle tone, they can develop problems with dislocating joints and other issues, and exercise helps maintain healthy muscles. Swimming is great because it builds muscle tone while being easy on the joints and is a fun workout!! BONUS!!
And let’s be real… Swimsuits!! Swim Caps!! Flip-flops!! They are good for the soul. Not only is it a great form of exercise, but they can be really good at it. I cannot even count how many of our recipients have received medals in the Special Olympics and other awards for their swimming accomplishments.
Rockin’ Recipient Luke Drumright was on the Varsity Swim Team in high school for four years and was a Letterman for three, and has dreams of starting his own business teaching swim lessons after he graduates from Saginaw Valley State University. And I am sure most of you have heard of Karen Gaffney and the Karen Gaffney Foundation.
The amazing woman who just happens to have Down syndrome that swam the English Channel as a part of a six-person relay team? She accomplished her biggest swimming challenge yet two years ago…she swam 9 miles across Lake Tahoe in 59-degree water to raise money for the National Down Syndrome Congress and to show the world that people with Down Syndrome are more alike, rather than different, from everyone else. HOLY COW!!!
That certainly makes me want to get off the couch and go do something today!!
Happy Humpday, Y’all!! I hope it is an inspiring one!!