ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — There’s a Special Olympics swim team hard at work every week at North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg. 

The competition is friendly and the dedication is unmatched.

What You Need To Know

  • Swimmers of all ages, levels and abilities participate with the Special Olympics swim team at North Shore Pool in St. Petersburg

  • Members say that their swimming skills have developed while being on the team 

  • Coach Hayley Brame says there is healthy competition, but the team has also become a place of friendship and camaraderie

Hayley Brame coaches the team twice a week. She says it’s about much more than swim technique.

“They just light up because they know that’s where they shine, that is their element, that is their place, that’s home, that’s where they need to be to feel great and amazing like a rockstar,” Brame said.

Swimmers of all ages, levels and abilities are welcome here.

“What’s amazing about Special Olympics is that you meet a variety of different human beings that come from all different backgrounds, different abilities,” Brame said. “All different superpowers and you just get to see what amazing things that they can do.”

Lindsay Johnson first joined the Special Olympics swim team in 2000. It’s been a big part of her life ever since.

“I love it. I love going to Special Olympics every Tuesday and Thursday,” Johnson said. “I like to swim, and I like to hang out.”

Not only has Johnson improved her own skills, but now, she likes to help her teammates. Coach Hayley serving as her inspiration.

“She’s just the best coach all around and I love her. She has the loudest voice and I love that,” Johnson said.

DeAeira Brown has also excelled on the team, with an impressive medal collection to show for it.

“I’ve been doing it for 43 years. I’ve been doing it since I was 10 years old. I love it. I love Special Olympics, it’s given me people…all kinds of family, friends,” Brown said.

It gives these athletes confidence that goes beyond their time at the pool.

“I’m proud because I do good, I get first place and I’ve been coming to a lot of practices a lot,” said Michael Thyrre. “It’s been super great, I’m awesome, the best I could ever be.”

It’s also a place of friendship and camaraderie.

“This is a great group of people to be with,” Brown said. “You can’t say no more about our coaches here, you can’t say no more about them. They’re fantastic people to be with.”

A team that Brame says has become more like a family.

“You just see in all their faces and all their smiles that this is home, this is family, this is everything for them.”