Buddy to athlete for Adaptive Youth Swim Class

Buddy Role:

Support your athlete each week in the water by encouraging them to participate and try the different swim moves to their ability and comfort level, holding their hands, waist, or support full body floating/ moving in the water.

Our program would not work if not for the volunteers! Not only do we have volunteer coaches, but we have a volunteer “Buddy” paired with each athlete as they participate in his/her sport. We do our best to pair athletes and buddies together for the entire season so they are able to get to know one another and learn from one another. Buddy's will support their athlete to help them enjoy and participate in the program to their comfort level, willingness, and ability.

Our volunteers are 13 years of age and older, but exceptions can be made for volunteers that have previous experience with children with disabilities. Any volunteers 18 years of age and older must complete a background check to participate. If you are interested in volunteering at any level, in any sport, complete the sport specific volunteer registration available one month before the start of each sport, or email optimistmiraclemovers@gmail.com to learn more.

Class Description:

Our awesome swim coach and outgoing Director Karen Cravotta, is a licensed PT and has been running the OMM Swim program since she helped start the local program 12 year ago.

We do a safety song every class before entering the pool. Life vests and floating noodles are available. Life guards are always on duty.

We have 3 coaches and divide the class up with each coach. We practice different swimming strokes, walking in the water, floating, kicking and blowing bubbles or holding our breath but it all is based around the individual athletes comfort and ability level so it’s very adaptive in the approach for everyone.

We have a lot of fun and at the end of each class those who want can wade or walk over to the pool’s playset and enjoy some free play before going home.

Every buddy and athlete are invited to the end of the year Celebration of Miracles banquet in November.