Special Olympics Greater Memphis
Memphis Waves Swimming League
Swimming [the rules] instruction and training is offered at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville and at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Germantown.
Karen Assel has been a Special Ed teacher for 12 years. She is currently teaching at the Bodine School for students with dyslexia. Karen is from Ohio and coached a Special Olympics swim team for 10 years. Karen also coaches at Ridgeway Country Club in the summer and teaches swimming lessons at the Pool School.
Matt High has been involved with the Special Olympics for around four or five years. He first helped with the swim program when he was 15, but didn't volunteer on a more full time basis until he was 22. He has helped with multiple programs, but has been most involved with swimming. He initially volunteered with the Special Olympics in Knoxville, TN, to give him a hobby outside of the typical social life of a recent college graduate.
The athletes have helped him so much more than he could have ever helped them. Their compassion and competitive spirit are unrivaled by any other athlete he has ever seen. However, their competitive spirit harbors no ill will towards their competition and that is something that he feels we should all learn to apply in our lives (whether it is in work or sport).
Swimming is also available through the Fitness Club.
If you have any questions or would like to come out and swim contact Karen Assel or Matt High.