The Owensboro Health Healthpark is hosting a Special Olympics Regional Swim Meet today. Along with the Daviess County Water Rockets, more than 96 swimmers from seven teams across several counties will compete.
The Water Rockets, under the guidance of their dedicated head coach Bruce Thomas, are competing in nearly every race, including the various distances of freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Thomas, who has been leading the team for several years, is eagerly anticipating the competition.
“Last year was our first year hosting, and the Healthpark has done an amazing job organizing this event,” Thomas said. “The kids love being able to compete. They’re enthusiastic and love showing their family, friends, and fans what they’re made of.”
Thomas has been a lifelong swimmer and previously coached Owensboro High School’s swimming and diving team for several years. He swam competitively at the University of Evansville before returning home to coach multiple clubs and OHS.
“I’ve been a swimmer my entire life,” he said. “I’m retired now, and I have some time. I knew I was ready to give back, and this was the perfect fit.”
Formerly coached by Deb Russell, the program is approaching its 15th season. Thomas hopes to continue to grow the roster.
“We are really trying to increase our number of athletes,” he said. “Each athlete is different. Most of them participate in football, basketball, baseball, track, and so much more. They just love to compete.”
The team’s sponsors include Independence Bank, Bennett Insurance Agency, Blue Bridge Apparel, Erie Insurance, the YMCA, and Kroger. They also lean on several volunteers to pull off an event of this caliber.
The meet begins at 9 a.m., and spectators are welcome.
Special Olympics Kentucky supports over 11,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities by offering training and competition in 15 sports.
