WAB Swimmers Share
Lanes with US Olympic Gold Medalist
WAB Tigershark swimmers Lucas Thomee and Kaylan Weng
never dreamed they’d shake hands with US Olympic
gold medalist and 5-time world record-breaking athlete
Michael Phelps, much less compete with him and Special
Olympic athletes in a Unified Relay Race in the WAB
swimming pool.
Yet on Tuesday April 10, a group of eight Tigersharks
received the extraordinary opportunity to participate
in a Special Olympics swim clinic conducted by an all-star
lineup of US Olympic gold medalists, including Michael
Phelps, Katie Hoff, Ryan Lochte and Megan Jendrick.
Selected Tigersharks also swam in a relay race with
the US and Chinese athletes.
Another small group of WAB students participated as
photographers and volunteers, and hundreds of students
greeted the Olympic entourage as they arrived at WAB.
The swim clinic was an inspiring opportunity for the
group of 20 Special Olympics athletes who joined the
US superstars in the WAB pool.
WAB students also found inspiration in these young athletes,
who demonstrated speed and stamina.
All participating swimmers benefited from the US athletes’ tips
on stroke technique and executing turns.
As a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, and as a
Beijing 2008 Olympic Education Model School, WAB was
keen to host this star-studded clinic for Special Olympics
athletes training for the 2007 World Summer Games.
“WAB continues to provide Special Olympics athletes
with the opportunity to display and enhance their skills,” said
George Smith, Senior Vice President of Special Olympics
East Asia.
“The swim clinic hosted by WAB helps us further
promote the understanding and acceptance of these very
special athletes.”
“Our sincerest thanks to WAB for their strong
and ongoing support.”
WAB has supported Special Olympics China from its initial
establishment and continues to support athletes and coaches
in a variety of ways.
WAB has employed former Special Olympic athlete and
current coach Li Bo to help manage the sports facilities
at WAB.
This summer, several WAB students will serve as volunteers
for the upcoming Special Olympics China Games in Shanghai,
working as guides, translators and assistants for athletes
and coaches and helping them celebrate the Olympic Dream.
Tuesday’s exciting event confirmed the universal
commitment and Olympic Dream shared by WAB students,
Chinese and US swimmers and athletes around the globe. |
