Victory Living Programs is proud to have yet another athlete heading to the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle from July 1-6, 2018: Richard Scott, who will be competing in swimming. Richard will participate alongside 4,000 other athletes representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Richard’s mother, Joann, got him involved in Special Olympics swimming when he was just a child living in Hollywood. At first Richard and his friends mainly swam for fun, but Joann noticed he had a true love for the sport. During this period, he was swimming two to three times a week.
Richard, now 50, swam for about 10 years. Due to work schedule conflicts, he took a break from Special Olympics and swimming, but was able to resume to it several years later. Richard currently attends Victory Living Programs (VLP) Adult Day Training/Community Inclusion Program and participates in the Social/Recreational Program. Richard also bowls and plays volleyball for VLP’s Special Olympics teams.
“Swimming makes Richard feel good, and he enjoys traveling, so he is excited to go somewhere new,” Joann says.
In the Community Inclusion/Adult Day Training Program, Richard has many friends and is very social, says program supervisor Lori Caporaso. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball, building his computer skills, and helping others if they are having difficulty with a task.
“Richard always has a smile on his face and is a pleasure to have in the program,” says Caporaso. “We will be cheering him on and hope that his swim matches will be televised, so that we are able to watch.”
In Seattle, Richard will be competing in the freestyle, backstroke and relay events. Good luck, Richard!
