Rocky Mount, Va. (November 28, 2022) – Starting in the summer of 2017, the Franklin County Family YMCA began offering an adaptive swim program for children and adults with varying physical or mental needs.
Known as Adaptive Swim for All, the program is led by Kameron Kitts, the Y’s aquatics director, and other YMCA aquatics staff. The Franklin County High School special education program participants are able to take field trips to the Y to participate in lessons that fall under Adaptive Swim for All guidelines. Students enjoy between one to three hours in the Cooper Aquatics center at the Rocky Mount Y.
“I just want to give a huge thank you to the YMCA staff and Kameron for arranging my students to come for swimming lessons. When we first started coming to the pool, many students were uncomfortable. After attending for the 4th time, the students have such an amazing time and enjoy themselves. It is such a pleasure to see our kids in a relaxing fun environment. Many students are able to get out of wheelchairs they sit in all day and it shows on their face how happy they are. Thank you so much for putting smiles on our kids' faces and love in their hearts,” said Tiffany Sproles, FCPS teacher.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the water. This program ensures that all children and adults have that opportunity and can learn at their own pace in a fun environment,” said Kitts.
The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including group lessons, mommy and me classes and swim team. All teach life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing, skills that last a lifetime.
“The Y teaches people of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives, it builds confidence,” said Linda Allen, YMCA swim instructor.
As part of the Y’s commitment to keep people safe in and around the water, the Franklin County Family YMCA provides scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to underserved children and adults in our community through their financial assistance program.
To learn more about aquatics or other programs please contact the Y at (540)489-9622 or at info@franklincountyymca.org
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