Special Olympics Virginia is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition
for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Area 26 would like to welcome each of
you who have entered this site. This site has been designed for athletes, coaches, volunteers
and fans.
Welcome to the 2011-2012 exciting year of competitive swimming, water skills and
friendships.
To Register: Contact Joan Metzendorf (Aquatics Coordinator)
Who: All athletes who would like to participate in the Aquatic program must be over the age
of 7. To participate in training and competition, all athletes are required to complete this
form. All new athletes must have a doctor sign the form to clear participation. Athlete
Release & Participation Form. All athletes who have the diagnosis of Down syndrome
will need to speak to their physicians concerning Atlanta-Axial Instability.
All athletes must attend practice for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Where:Currently, Area 26 has the following programs in place: Springhill Recreation Center on
Saturdays 12-3 PM with Coach Aryk Johnson.
Audrey Moore Recreation center under the direction of Coach John Cruden. Practices are
held on Saturdays from 1pm-3pm.
Burke Barracudas under the direction of Terry Mitchell. Practice for this season will start in
December 2011. For further information please contact Coach Mitchell.
** To find out availability and terms of these teams please contact the county's Adaptive
Aquatic Director, LeeAnn David.
Oakton High School Swim Club which is open to Oakton High School Students who fit the
SOVA requirements and are able to proficiently swim 25 yards of at least one stroke. For
further information please contact Nancy Robbins. Practice will start in January 2012 at Cub
Run Recreation Center with coaches from the Varsity OHS swim team.
All athletes must attend Time Trials or submit a USS swim time in order to enter into the
Regional Meet. The State Team is chosen based on performance and a random draw
following the George Mason Meet. Get ready for an exciting season.
When: Please note times above or on Google calendar.
Equipment: Swimming pool included.
Wear: AGON Swim, a Custom Swim Suit Company that makes custom dyed swim wear for a
variety of swim teams and swim clubs, has made a generous donation to our athlete. Last
year AGON donated numerous suits to the Oakton Swim Club. The Oakton Swim Club in
partnership with Area 26 is making these suits available at no cost to any Special Olympic
swimmer who is in need of a new swimsuit. We have many female suits ranging in sizes up to
a 36. We also have many Men's briefs (Speedo) in many sizes. We do not have any jammer
(knee length) swimsuits at this time. If you know of an athlete who could benefit from a new
suit - please send the size and specify Male or Female to Nancy Robbins.
We will be happy to get it to you. If we don't currently have the size you need, we will make
every effort to obtain a suit in your size. It is the goal of the Oakton Swim Club in partnership
with Area 26 Aquatics to see that every Special Olympic swimmer is "suited" to succeed!
Volunteers and Fans: Special Olympics count on fans and volunteers to make our seasons
GREAT! We welcome you to attend one or all of our meets.
1. March 31 is Time Trials from 9am to 3 pm. Water Skill warm ups to start at 9 am. Warm ups
for swim events to start at 10 30am.
2. Regional Meet will be held at George Mason University on Sunday, April 29, 2012.
3. May 19th is the Area 26 meet, The Potomac Region Invitational Meet at Madeira School
10am to 3pm.
4. Area 26 will be hosting the 2ND Annual Invitational Swim Meet later in the season. Date
and place TBA.
5. The Virginia State Games will be held at The University of Richmond, June 8-10, 2012. The
State Team will be chosen following the Regional Meet.
If you have any questions or
concerns, please contact Joan Metzendorf, Swimming Coordinator Area 26.
Special Thank you to the Marlin Swim Team who are helping out at the Regional Meet. Thank
you to Machine Aquatics who are volunteering at the Special Olympic swim practices.
