Special Olympics competitor learns to thrive in the pool
MIDLAND -- On Wednesday nights at Northeast Middle School, Area 30 swimmer Jim Bernard practices for the Special Olympics this June.
But while he says he’s been swimming a long time, his start was as simple as getting into the pool.
“My coach grabbed my trunks and said, 'see what I mean? Just start kicking.',” Bernard said. “That's how I learned swimming."
Bernard swims with Area 30 every summer and he credits his coach for helping him learn the right way to swim.
"I love my swimming coach,” Bernard said. “He taught us how to do our strokes right. That way, we don't hurt ourselves."
Area 30 head coach John Musienga shares the love with Bernard and the other athletes.
"The reward is seeing them figure it out,” Musienga said. “Something clicks then you see the joy on their face when they finish a race, it's huge."
Bernard shares that joy with the other athletes.
"I don't mind, I'm comfortable swimming with them," Bernard said.
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