By Kyle Terwilliger
Variety News Staff

IN 1962 Eunice Kennedy Shriver began a program that has carried throughout the world and is present here on Guam today. With here beliefs that those people who have intellectual disabilities could perform at a level that would allow them to participate in athletics, Shriver began a camp for the intellectually disabled that would later be turned into the modern day Special Olympics.
Now the Special Olympics are very present here on Guam. With the Track and Field portion done with the athletes now move forward and look ahead to the Aquatics part of the year.
In each event the athletes prove that there is more to life than just winning and losing, they do in fact represent the idea that the competition is fun regardless of the winner. “Just by showing up the athletes win,” Aquatics director Joe Arriola would say in an interview.
“This event isn’t quite as large as our track and field event, because some of the athletes are a bit weary of the water. But we are here to provide another venue for the athletes to participate in. If we don’t do it, who will? We need to provide something for our special Olympians, and that is what we are here for.”
Board member Carole Piercy told Variety that from the coaching aspect of the Olympics they are still in need of coaches to help the athletes grow as swimmers. “I’m still looking for at least one more coach to teach the athletes. I would like to get about four or five more volunteers to help with those athletes who are a bit uncomfortable in the water.”
Piercy would also reiterate the fact that they are here for the athletes. “We hope that they can take the skills that they learn here and can go to the beach or pool with their family. We have even had athletes in the past become so comfortable that they can then join the more competitive swim teams.”
When both were asked about what they personally look forward to in the Aquatics portion of the Olympics Carole Piercy would reply, “I want to see the development of the athletes and the growth of each individual in the water. I like seeing the abilities of each athlete change as they become more comfortable in the water.” Joe Arriola would make a point to thank the parents of each athlete.
“I want to thank the parents for making the determination of when to let their child participate the Olympics. In the end it is their Special Olympian that is competing in our events.” Training for the Aquatics portion of the Olympics takes place every Saturday in the Hagatna Municipal Swimming Pool.
The event is set to take place on June 7th but the last day for the athletes to register for the event is this Saturday. If you have any questions or want to volunteer or register contact the Special Olympics Guam via telephone at 671.687.6940 or via e-mail at specialolympicsguam@hotmail.com.