Michael Phelps Surprises Special Olympics Arizona Swimmers

Michael Phelps in the pool with four other athletes holding onto the ropes and talking

By Jamie Hakerman, Interim CEO of SOAZ

The 10^th Anniversary of the Michael Phelps Foundation culminated with a water safety event in Peoria, Arizona on Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Special Olympics Arizona was honored to invite 10 Special Olympics athletes to participate in an Individual Medley fast swim clinic and relay race with decorated swimmers Michael Phelps, a Special Olympics Global Ambassador, and Allison Schmitt. Invited athletes included students from Sunrise Mountain High School, a Nationally Banner Recognized Unified Champion school. Events concluded with water safety stations.

For the athletes, meeting the Olympic swimmers came as a major surprise. This truly was a once in a lifetime event. Special Olympics Arizona truly values the partnership with the Michael Phelps Foundation and the opportunities it provides to our athletes.

Michael Phelps with three male athletes in an office standing for the photo

Micahel Pehlps in the pool with another athlete, but are giving a thumbs up

About the Contributor

Jamie Hakerman

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