Gloucester, MA – The Cape Ann Y & Cape Ann Special Olympics announce a plan to offer a swim program for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. The Y has a long history of swim programs from parent/child swim classes, and lessons to nationally ranked competitive teams and this collaboration with the Special Olympics is the perfect way to offer competitive and developmental instruction for people of all abilities. Cape Ann Special Olympics and Brace Cove Foundation are providing financial support for this program.

Tim Flaherty, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Y said, “We are so grateful to the Brace Cove Foundation and the Cape Ann Special Olympics for this collaborative opportunity. This grant allows us to further our reach and deepen our commitment to providing programs and activities for all members of our community. The Y truly does welcome all, and this swimming program is another example of our commitment to developing partnerships and programs that make this possible.”

The new “Cape Ann Sharks” will consist of two levels of training, all working toward the State Special Olympic Games held each year at Harvard Stadium.

Level I will practice once a week working on skills including; 10M Assisted Swim, 15M Flotation Swim, 15M Walk, 15M Unassisted Swim, 25M Assisted Swim and 25M Flotation Swim. Space is limited for this program as it is a 1-1 ratio in the water.

Level II will consist of 12 athletes that have the ability to swim more than one stroke (Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly or Backstroke) and more than three laps consecutively. This level will practice twice a week.

The North Shore YMCA Sharks Swim Team, the Y’s highly respected competitive team will provide guidance and technical assistance for the program. The Sharks swim program will also offer support as needed with high school swimmers.

The YMCA of the North Shore: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For over 150 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been strengthening the foundations of community for its more than 50,000 members. The Y provides programs and services in 25 cities and towns. We nurture the potential of children and teens, improving the nation’s health and well­being and providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors; regardless of age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic background.
Brace Cove Foundation provides grants to increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations to provide essential social services and educational opportunities on greater Cape Ann. For more information, visit bracecove.org.
Cape Ann Special Olympics Gloucester based program, provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities. Our goal is to provide year round sports training and athletic competition at no cost to the individuals. At the present time our program is offering aquatics September- June, soccer in the fall, basketball and bowling in the winter, and track and field in the spring. With program growth we hope to offer several other sports including, golf, bocce, cycling, softball and flag football.

Dear athletes and parents,

Cape Ann Special Olympics is excited to announce that on Thursday, September 29th We will be holding open tryouts for their new aquatics program at the Cape Ann YMCA (71 Middle Street Gloucester, MA 01930). From 6:30-7:00pm the developmental swimmers will tryout. The requirements for the developmental participants are:
Athletes must be willing participants in the program
Athletes must be ready to enter the pool at session start time
Athletes are expected to remain in the pool during the session
The competitive team tryouts will be held from 7:00-8:00pm. The requirements for the competitive team are:
Athletes must be able to swim more than one stroke*
Athletes must be able to swim more than 3 laps consecutively*
Laps must be completed within a predetermined time period
Athletes must be willing to wear a bathing cap and goggles to practice and competitions
Parents are not allowed on deck but may watch the practice from the gallery
Athletes must be on time, being late to two practices will equal one absence*
Athletes are allowed up to 7 unexcused absences*
Athletes must be willing to compete for Cape Ann Special Olympics Aquatics in competitions*
*Due to limited spots available on team/structure of the program
Requirements for all Cape Ann Aquatics athletes:
All athletes must adhere to the rules of conduct set forth by the YMCA policies
Parents/guardians/staff must remain onsite during both sessions