Special Olympic’s Mel Inspires at the Rock
April 17, 2009 by deb
Mel is a very determined SOSUNS athlete who loves a challenge! While most people like to spend Easter Sunday eating chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, Mel has, for the past two years, swum in the Rock to Rock, a 1.5 kilometre ocean swim at Elizabeth Beach in Forster.
Mel sprinting to the finish line
The annual Rock to Rock draws over 250 competitiors but none as determined as Mel. Mel set herself the goal of competing in the ocean swim three years ago and since that time has been training weekly with her wonderful coach Matt Webber at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool. 2009 was Mel’s second successful swim and despite rough conditions and an increased swell, Mel even managed to siginifcantly reduce her 2008 time.
Success! Mel is happy to be finished.
Mel’s time was approximately 30 minutes longer than the other swimmers but her determination and joy in finishing is so inspiring that none of the other competitors and familes left the beach until Mel was finished. Despite her exhaustion, Mel sprinted to the finish line and even managed a smile for the crowd waiving her on.
Mel's supporters
Mel could not compete in the Rock to Rock without the support of her growing entourage of around 25 family and friends who are now committed to making the journey annually. In addition, Pacific Palms Surf Club have been instrumental in Mel being able to compete in this event. They give her great support around the course and allow her to finish in her own time. Mel loves the fact that they make her feel so very important!
Mel’s pursuits don’t just stop with swimming. Mel is a star performer in the SOSUNS performance group and also attends the Monday dance sessions. In addition Mel loves to bowl every Saturday and there is high fives all round when she achieves ANOTHER strike!
Mel is a great representative of SOSUNS and people with intellectual disabilities. Last year Mel became involved in the Athlete Leadership Program and is now proficient as public speaking, being asked to speak at numerous events over the last six months.
Congratulations Mel!!
Go Mel