OPENING ON TOP

The journey to the Special Olympics State Championships for eight Conch Republic swimmers began with the Area 7 Games, on July 27-28 in Sarasota.

“Despite the limited pool time due to our college pool being resurfaced, all swimmers did their best and were able to take a place on the podium,” said Monroe County Special Olympics Manager, Sports Training and Competition Director Ruth Coleman.

Standing atop the podium when the Area 7 Games were a wrap was Jennifer Averette in the 100-meter backstroke, as well as third in the 50-meter freestyle, Michael Neri won the 100-meter breaststroke and was second in the 100 freestyle, and Kai Simcic Swanton was first in the 100-meter freestyle and second in the 200-meter freestyle. In the 25-meter, India Hall was first, Daniella Ortueta placed second, Benny Valdez, as well as Amanda Kirkman, were both third, and fourth was Serina Seahorne, while the relay team of Ortueta, Seahorne, Hall, and Kirkman were first back to the wall.

Next up for the eight Conch Republic swimmers will be the Regional Games at North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg on Aug. 25.