Men's Swimming | 4/28/2017 12:59:00 PM

Wingate, N.C.----This spring, the Wingate University men's and women's swimming teams hosted the 14th version of the Union County Special Olympics swimming venue at the University's natatorium. Wingate juniors Tripp Wright (Cypress, Texas) and Marinela Procopii (Hickory, N.C.) served as directors for this year's program.
 
On Thursday, April 27, the Bulldogs hosted a meet to conclude the four-week Special Olympics program. Wingate's Olympians have had a busy few days, as Forest Hills High School is hosting two days-worth of outdoor (land) events this week as well.
 
The Wingate University athletic media relations department caught up with Wright, Procopii and teammates Vika Arkhipova (Seversk, Russia) and Ryan Capote (Miramar, Fla.) to get their thoughts on this year's Special Olympic endeavors (a transcript of their reflections follows). 
 
Vika Arkhipova
 
"Special Olympics has been an amazing experience for me. I remember my freshman year, I was a little bit scared of the very first practice because I didn't know what to expect. I've never had a chance to work with people who have disabilities on land…and now I had a buddy with whom I would swim. I remember feeling nervous on my way to the pool because when we got the cards with information about our buddies, all I knew was his name (Samuel) and that he was 13 years old."
 
"From the second we were introduced to each other, all the nervousness went away and I got really excited that I got to share my passion for swimming with someone else. I decided I was going to teach him how to swim. Since then, we have been buddies every year."
 
"I cannot express how proud I am of Sam. I watched him grow and I grew with him. He has come a long way. Thursday was our last Special Olympics ever together. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity Wingate Swimming provided for me. We promised each other to stay in touch and that next year he will come back and keep the tradition going."
 
"Thursday, he won all the events he swam and I teared up watching this little man achieving his dreams. Every year, we take a picture together. When I got home, I found a Facebook notification with a friend request and a tag in the picture. It was his mom, who created a mini- collage from all the pictures we have taken together. Moments like this are worth living for."
 
Ryan Capote
 
"My first-time experience with the Special Olympics was honestly a great experience. Throughout the time I was with my buddy (Jake)…it was fun. All the stories, jokes and swimming with him up and down the lanes was a blast. Jake always talked about his experiences, friends and family. This gave me insight on how bright and genuine of a person Jake is and what a good friend he is to anyone he meets."
 
"Jake works like any adult, he jokes without a care in the world…and he talks about his experiences in a way which catches anyone's attention. In my honest opinion, the Special Olympics is an experience I will never forget. I can't wait until the next one."
 
Marinela Procopii
 
"Special Olympics is always an uplifting experience…seeing the smiling faces of the swimmers and the volunteers from the Wingate swimming team creates a positive atmosphere. This year ran very smoothly with great cooperation and help from the parents, caregivers and swimmers. While watching the events, it was obvious to see how energetic and excited the swimmers were about the meet. Many parents came to me saying how much their children look forward to this time of year. I am so proud to be a part of a caring community with such a big heart."
 
Tripp Wright
 
"We had a fantastic Special Olympics this year. Even though the majority of our swimmers were first timers, the participants opened up to us like family. Although we only meet a few times each year, the memories and friendships we build will last a lifetime. At the final swim meet, we had a few participants who were only supposed to swim half a length assisted, but they ended up swimming two lengths unassisted. It is moments like these which remind you that you can do anything, if you put your mind to the task. It is always a blessing and privilege to work with and alongside the Union County Special Olympics movement. We look forward to the years to come and future partnerships with the community."
 
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SWIMMING AT WINGATE
 
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, Wingate University held the first official Special Olympics-sanctioned swim meet in Union County. Each year, the athletes compete in events such as the 15-meter unassisted swim, the 25-yard freestyle, the 15-meter water walk and the 10-meter swim.
 
The Wingate University Special Olympics Swimming venue received the NCAA Division II Community Engagement Award of Excellence in 2011. The Community Engagement Award of Excellence recognizes Division II institutions who successfully 'build bridges' with the communities where they are located. The commitment to help member institutions build stronger civic relationships is a central part of the NCAA Division II philosophy.
 
The 2011 honor was the second NCAA recognition for the program. In addition, the Union County Special Olympics movement presented the Wingate women's swimming team with its Civic Group of the Year Award in the spring of 2005.
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Wingate University, consistently ranked as a top 10 "best value" in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves more than 3,200 students on three campuses in Wingate, Charlotte and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 35 minors, 12 career concentrations, nine pre-professional programs, master's degrees in accounting, business, education, physician assistant studies and sport management and doctorates in education, pharmacy and physical therapy.
 
With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity. 
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 10 years. For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.
 
Wingate is first among NCAA Division II Academic All-America®-producing colleges in the 2000's with 88 selections. Among North Carolina's colleges and universities, Wingate is number one in this millennium with 88 Academic All-America® honorees. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 97 lifetime Academic All-America® picks. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com.