The Owensboro Health HealthPark will host its first-ever Special Olympics Swim Meet this Saturday. The competition boasts more than 100 athletes from five counties and offers swimmers an opportunity to qualify for the state meet at the University of Louisville.
The meet will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring several distances and events, including relays. Bruce Thomas is the local coach of the Daviess County Water Rockets, which also features athletes from Henderson, and he said his team is ready to compete.
“Our young athletes are very enthusiastic,” Thomas said. “They never miss a practice and look forward to being able to compete at meets.”
Thomas was a top-notch swimmer himself, competing at a high level through high school and college. He later led the Owensboro High School Swimming and Diving Program to several successful seasons during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Thomas also owned and operated Owensboro Schwinn Cyclery for several years. He joined the Water Rockets as an assistant coach last season before making the jump to head coach this year.
He said he has thoroughly enjoyed the transition and wants to encourage the public to come and share in the excitement this weekend.
“If anyone is interested in coming, we would love to have you come,” he said. “The athletes are very enthusiastic and love the support. I want them to know that each and every time they compete, they are winners by just getting in the pool.”
