Fairmont State swimmers assist individuals with autism construct confidence within the water

FAIRMONT, W.Va (WDTV) -Swimmers celebrated weeks of arduous work at Fairmont State University Sunday, marking the ultimate session of a three-week program centered on swimming, water security and connection.

Members of Fairmont State’s swim staff partnered with the Corridor Chapter of the Autism Society of West Virginia to offer free, individualized classes.

Program pairs swimmers with contributors

The program additionally serves adults with autism, pairing every participant with a member of the college swim staff.

Head swimming coach Patrick Snively mentioned this system offers contributors a way of belonging and accomplishment.

“This celebration is very, very important for the swimmers in our program to see the sense of accomplishment in the faces of these young people. In a lot of cases, children with autism may not be on teams and have this kind of interaction, but they can go through the three weeks of our program, feel like they’ve accomplished something,” Snively mentioned.

Relationships fashioned throughout program

For guardian and Corridor Chapter secretary treasurer Carol Giles, the relationships fashioned throughout this system are simply as significant because the swimming abilities.

“It’s really amazing because they also love the interaction with the swim team, with the different members. And when we watch the swim team, they just love the interaction with the kids. So, it gets them a different element of the community. I mean, it really does,” Giles mentioned.

At the ultimate session, contributors acquired awards recognizing their progress and accomplishments within the pool.

The Corridor Chapter serves greater than 300 people and households and provides actions and sources all year long.

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