Teen swimmer making a big splash

12/23/05

By MORGAN GREEN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

After six years of competing in Special Olympics swimming events, Kim Williams needs another "decorations board" built by her grandfather because the first one is full of victory ribbons and medals.

Kim, 19, does not brag about her 21 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze medals earned at local and regional competitions.

She simply beams a winsome smile and says quietly, "Some people tell me I swim like a fish."

Named the 2005 local Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Kim is determined to make it to the world games for the developmentally disabled three years from now.

Those who know her say that if dedication counts, she'll be there.

"Kim trains very hard, and when she swims for us, she gives 100 percent," said Ada Conner, director of Santa Barbara Special Olympics.

The program sponsors about 500 local residents for training and events in more than a dozen sports, from track and field and swimming to golf and power lifting.

But the local program, which includes athletes from Carpinteria to Goleta, depends on community support to continue offering its activities at no charge, said Ms. Conner.

Limited to donations from sources on the South Coast, she's grateful for annual grants from the Parks and Recreation Community Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering better recreational opportunities in the community.

"The foundation's support for Special Olympics is wonderful. We couldn't do without it," said Ms. Conner.

To help the foundation continue assisting the Special Olympics and dozens of other recreation-related programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, the Santa Barbara News-Press selected the organization to benefit from this year's News-Press Holiday Fund.

Ms. Conner said her program is counting on continued PARC Foundation support.

"We really can't do without it. Most people think Special Olympics is just one time a year, but actually its training and competitions continue throughout the year."

Indeed, as soon as swimming sessions resume after the holidays, "I'm going to be swimming," Kim said.

She dreams of someday becoming a swimming coach, "a little kids' coach."

The Special Olympics program is doing a lot to help her, said the swimmer's mother, Lynelle Williams.

"Kim has found something she's really good at," she said. "The family is very proud of her. We have watched her grow more self-confident. The program offers good opportunities for her to socialize. It helps her learn independence and responsibility. We just sit back and watch her blossom."

Kim is taking classes through a San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College transition program. She has added competitive diving to her skills, said Ms. Williams. "Kim has gone from big splashes to just gliding in."

RAFAEL MALDONADO/NEWS-PRESS
Kim Williams, a top-performing swimmer in the Special Olympics, displays some of the medals she has collected. Her mother, Lynelle, is behind her along with more of Kim's awards. Named the 2005 local Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Kim has set her sights on the world games for the developmentally disabled, which will take place three years from now.