The North Suburban YMCA Flying Turtles receives 19 medals

Northbrook, IL; June 2023: The North Suburban YMCA's Special Olympics swim team called the Flying Turtles closed out its 2024 season at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Bloomington/Normal Illinois at Illinois State University (ISU).

Summer Games is a three-day Special Olympics event which includes more than 3,500 athletes, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and 10,000 families and friends. This will be the Flying Turtles seventh year participating in the Summer Games and receiving medals.

This year, thirteen swimmers competed and excelled with metals in multiple races. Out of 26 races the Flying Turtles received 5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medals. Included in these races, the Y’s team had two relays that swam against each other in the same heat along with teams from other areas. From the Y team, Team Leonardo was awarded second place and Team Michelangelo was awarded third place.

“We are so proud of this team and their hard work truly paid off this year,” exclaimed Tom March, NSYMCA Aquatics Liaison and Coach of the Special Olympics Swim Team. “It was an amazing weekend and I we couldn’t have this success without the support of parents and family members.”

The NSYMCA’s Special Olympics Flying Turtles participants range in age from 8-22 years old and have intellectual disabilities and on the spectrum of autism. The Y offers many special needs programs, with the Flying Turtles Swim Program being one of the longest running programs and most successful.

Through positive learning-based curriculum and coaching practices, the NSYMCA Special Olympics Swim Program creates an experience and opportunity for special needs children to adult to grow and succeed. Other special needs programs at the NSYMCA include Buddy to Buddy Workout Groups, Café Voca Vocational Programs, HAWKS High School and HAWKS inclusion camps, Special Needs exercise & yoga classes, art, dance and many other opportunities for individuals with special needs to learn and thrive. The Y also partners with NSSED, TruNorth and other agencies to provide well-rounded services to the community. For more information, contact Ellen Mirochnick at [email protected] or visit www.nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.