Special Olympics Swim Team takes the Polar Plunge to Raise Funds

Local resident Emily Korriku, Associate Aquatics Director for the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA and Head Swim Coach of the Marblehead/Swampscott Bluefish Special Olympic Swim team participated in the Polar Plunge Fundraiser at Revere Beach for a second time. To raise money for the team, Korriku plunged into the freezing cold water with her assistant coaches Lindsey Bryant (attending college for Special Education), Ben Madigan-Fried, Mariana McCarthy, committed volunteer Kasey Kennedy, and swim team member Ryan Horrigan.

This will be the team’s second year attending the Special Olympics Summer Games.

“It is amazing to watch each individual swimmer work hard, improve their strokes and have fun during the whole process. All the swimmers enjoy being part of the team and swimming together,” said Korriku.

Korriku has a degree and background in Special Education, and started the Special Olympic swim team at the Y last year. The “Marblehead/Swampscott Bluefish" attended the Special Olympics last June; all seven swimmers that participated in the summer games came home with a medal.

Korriku also offers two adaptive swim classes, specifically designed for children with special needs, uses water education to develop water safety, swimming skills and social skills while developing self-confidence and self-esteem. The program is designed to meet each child’s emotional and developmental abilities. Korriku encourages swimmers from the adaptive class to join the Special Olympic swim team as soon as they meet the swimming criteria.

Swim team member Ryan Horrigan commented that the Polar Plunge was "awesome!"

Marblehead parents Mark Horrigan and Nancy Norman have a 17-year old son Ryan Horrigan on the team. “Mark and I have been very impressed with the coaching staff and the encouragement given to the athletes. The swimmers are treated with respect and expected to act like an athlete; this means respecting their teammates and taking pride in their own improvements,” said mom Nancy Norman.

“Our family is very grateful for the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA offering the Special Olympics Swim team. Alex looks forward to his swim days and being with his friends on the team,” said the Linsky family, who also has a child swimming for the team.

Korriku and her assistant coaches are planning to bring about ten swimmers to participate in the qualifying meet in April for the Special Olympics held in June. The swim team is made up of ten dedicated swimmers with various physical and developmental disabilities.

“Participating in a team sport builds their self-confidence,” said Korriku. “Swimming is great exercise, but being part of a team builds self-esteem and social skills.”

For more information about the swim team or adaptive swim classes, or to find out how you can help, contact Emily Korriku, Associate Aquatics Director at korrikue@northshoreymca.org
or 781.990.7040.