Thursday, May 2, 2024
Pictured in the back row left to right is Heidi Clough, Head of Delegation and Jack Butler. In the front row left to right is Hope Lacefield and Addison Van De Water. Each athlete pictured placed or received a medal to take home.
Throughout the summer, Team Gatesville Special Olympics has practiced regularly, both as a team and individually, to prepare for its first Area 12 swim meet.
The swim meet took place at the Greater YMCA located in Waco. It offered various events for all abilities, including beginner walk, flotation and kick board swims, as well as advanced races.
At the swim meet, five Special Olympics Texas teams competed, each team represented Waco, Temple, Killeen, Copperas Cove, Fort Cavazos, Mexia, and Gatesville.
Three Team Gatesville athletes participated in the swim meet, with two unable to attend due to illness.
The following Gatesville athletes who placed and received medals include Jack Butler who placed fourth in the 50-meter freestyle swim, Hope Lacefield received two gold medals in both the 15-meter unassisted swim and the 15-meter kickboard, and Addison Van De Water received a gold medal in the 15-meter unassisted swim.
The next Area 12 swimming competition is scheduled for Sept. 2024, and the location is yet to be determined. There will be a chance for athletes to compete in the Fall Classic State competition.
Team Gatesville Special Olympics established its swim team in 2023, as swimming is a favorite recreational activity for many athletes.
The current swim team consists of five athletes, including children and adults, with growing interest from additional athletes who may join the team in 2024.
Team Gatesville is currently participating in bocce and bowling, with upcoming Area competitions in Oct. and Nov. The team is preparing for basketball starting in Jan. 2024, followed by Track and Field.
To join the Special Olympics, athletes must be at least six years delay and upper age limit, have an intellectual disability or a comparable global developmental delay, and will need to submit a medical physical form.
For further information visit Team Gatesville Special Olympics website at sotx.org, or its Facebook page at Facebook.com/TeamGatesville.
Contact Team Gatesville Special Olympics by email at teamgatesville12@yahoo.com.
