Swimmers compete in 2023 Special Olympics Qualifying Swim Meet in Ocean Springs

Ribbons and medals were up for grabs in Ocean Springs as swimmers competed against each other at the 2023 Special Olympics Qualifying Swim Meet.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA has been hosting this Special Olympics event for over 30 years.

Close to 50 athletes gathered at the John and Mary Alice Miner Natatorium to swim in a variety of races.

Children and adults were able to compete in the breast-stroke, back-stroke, 50-yard freestyle and more.

Billy Dungan, executive director of the Dream Program, says this is the perfect platform to show off their abilities. “I think that’s one of the best things that it does. It creates awareness of the ability of people with disabilities and, and it makes them realize that, that they have the same issues that everyone else does. They just might be just a little more complicated.”

The next stop for these Special Olympic athletes will be the 2023 Special Olympics Mississippi Summer games at Keesler Air Force Base in May.