The Y Penguins was developed as a swim team for children with physical disabilities and their able-bodied siblings. Through sport, these young people explore their abilities and find within themselves the confidence to pursue their goals and the capacity to develop the skills that will help them see the many possibilities for their future.
Today, the Y Penguins is a swim program for children diagnosed with a physical disability. This grassroots program helps participants explore their abilities and develop strength, independence and confidence as they pursue their goals in a safe, nurturing environment. Swimmers learn how to focus on their abilities while they develop their swimming skills. This program provides opportunities to meet new friends and have fun, while they learn about the exciting sport of competitive swimming.
Learn to Swim: Participants learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swimming skills like floats, glides and basic front and back propulsion.
Skill development: Participants begin development in the 4 competitive strokes as well as dives, turns and other skills taught in a competitive swimming environment.
Pre-Competitive: Participants experience a basic training environment. They follow simple workouts as designed by their coach as well as continuing with skill development.
As swimmers graduate from the pre-competitive stage, they are ready to take advanced swimming lessons, join a swim team, investigate first aid and lifesaving courses, or just enjoy the freedom that water offers as they develop awareness of the value of a healthy, active lifestyle.
For more information, or to determine who is eligible to participate in this program please contact one of our coaches at penguins@eo.ymca.ca