College Swimming & Diving
Rider Volunteers at Special Olympics Meet

SEWELL--The Rider University men's and women's swimming and diving team recently volunteered at the South Aquatics Sectional Swimming Meet for Special Olympics of New Jersey.

“I have a special understanding of the effort it takes to provide events like this at the Chapter level having worked for Special Olympics of New Jersey previously,” said Rider University Head Coach and Aquatics Director Steve Fletcher.  “I've always wanted to connect our teams to this organization to provide much needed sport-specific volunteer support to their staff and volunteer base.  But most importantly, I value the connection our athletes make to the experience of the Special Olympics athlete at this event, and that connection is clearly communicated across a shared passion for the sport of swimming.”

“The Rider Swimming & Diving Teams have been volunteering at the Special Olympics for many years,” said sophomore Heather Good (Hillsborough) who is majoring in Biochemistry.  “It really is an honor to help out because you see individuals of all ages, some even triple our age, and you just think about the determination that they have.  They have to overcome physical and mental obstacles everyday but you never see them give up in a race.  It truly is an inspiring event.”

Held at the Gloucester Institute of Technology in Sewell, New Jersey, the team annually participates at the event, helping to manage the meet which this year, took place on April 27.

“As soon as you get to the event at GCIT you understand the meaning of ambition.  All of these athletes have to overcome developmental disabilities, which not only makes difficult to control their bodies, but also their minds. But they are fearless, they do not care; they want to succeed, and they do it,” said Inaki Campos-Goenaga, a junior Global and International Studies major. 

“It is very rewarding to be on the pool deck surrounded by such inspirational athletes and we look forward to it each year,” Good added.

“Regardless of how long it takes them to complete the event, they always finish with satisfaction and a smile on their faces,” Campos-Goenaga added.  “They do not quit or give up. They are a source of motivation for all of us at Rider and that is why we like to help them. At Special Olympics the team helps the organizers by providing timers, event stagers, meet announcers and assistance with awards. We run the meet and talk to the athletes about their swims; we direct them to their assigned lanes and help them getting in and out of the water.  It is always a pleasure when they ask you what you think about their swims, and ask for advice to improve, but the best part about it is seeing how little it takes them to be completely grateful for what they have.  For us, it is a great pleasure to have the opportunity to help them, and we are really grateful to them for motivating us to work hard for our goals, like they do.”

The Rider men's team recently won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship for the second season in a row with the Bronc women placing runner-up.

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