POULSBO — North Kitsap Special Olympics swimming coach Darla Smith believes that when her swimmers enter the pool, what takes place is nothing short of a miracle.
“Some of (the athletes) are restrained in a wheel chair, or held back from doing things,” Smith said of her swimmers. “In here, there’s no limit to what they can do.”
Smith, who will lead a team of about 14 swimmers into the Special Olympics’ regional competition April 24 at Fort Lewis, has been coaching the team for three seasons. Swimming, she said, unlocks possibilities for many of the students who are disabled or challenged otherwise.
“It’s sort of like a miracle because you actually get to see them do something that they’re not supposed to be able to do,” she said. “They’re willing to learn and they can do it.”
The team has been practicing for this year’s regional competition since March 1, and has good reason to be positive for the upcoming event. Three of the nine state medalists on last year’s squad — Mary Norton, Katie Burton and Robert Kondracki — have returned for another go.
If the three veterans or any of the group finish strong at this weekend’s regionals, a trip to the state competition at Federal Way June 1 and 2 could be in the cards.
The key to success, Smith said, is the fact each of the competitors are, in many ways, freed from their confines once inside the pool.
“The water gives them motion like they’re moving and their brain tells them they’re doing it and they actually are,” Smith said. “It’s a total freedom for them to get in the water with no restrictions.”
Smith, along with her assistant coach Judy Chase, receives much help in coaching from many volunteers, including NK students Allie Lunden, Brandy Bawkeveli, Nicole Hagin and Mikal, Jeffery and Ingrid Reeves.
The miracles, Smith said, come when all of the coaches and volunteers watch the swimmers make their way from one end of the NK pool to the other.
“I’ve had people tell me, ‘This person’s legs are crippled, so he or she can’t kick,’” Smith commented. “And I say, ‘Watch’ — and their legs kick.”
One athlete who is excited about the weekend’s competition is NKHS senior Michael Fawcett. He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle and 50 backstroke and said one his favorite activities during the day is getting to swim for the team.
“I love doing it,” he said. “It’s fun.”
Fawcett’s love for swimming has spurred another dream — to become a life-guard at the pool.
“Its fun for people to help save lives and get them breathing again,” Fawcett commented. “I need to keep training.”
His enthusiasm is shared among the athletes, each of whom put all of their energy into the competition, Smith said.
“They just want to please you,” Smith said. “Trying really hard is not new to them because often times, they have to try really hard on land.”
