Diana Perry, front, works with Grace Berios and her son, Teddy, 3, during swimming lessons.
– Photo by Jerry Lara / Staff photographer
Here’s an uplifting read from the San Antonio Express-News, Swim Teacher Gives Splash of Inclusion, published November 5, 2018. Staff writer Vincent Davis looks at how Diana Perry, a co-founder of Good Swim, has a mission to prevent accidental drownings in all children, including those with disabilities.
In Mahncke Park, there’s a backyard pool where parents bring children of all abilities to learn how to swim at each child’s individual pace.
Tykes like Teddy Berios, who has Down syndrome, follow swimming instructor Diana Perry’s directions without hesitation. Wearing a blue swim cap and goggles one recent day, the 3-year-old dived to the bottom of the heated pool to retrieve plastic toys. Pulled in his instructor’s wake, he kicked his feet and swam to his mother’s arms and greeted her with a loud, “Ma!”
The article goes into great detail about Good Swim’s goals to reach more kids.
Perry has taught water safety to students for more than 30 years; 20 percent of her children have documented medical and/or developmental disabilities.
The retired nurse practitioner and developmental disability specialist wants to reach more children who can’t afford swim lessons through Good Swim, the organization she co-founded in 2016. She named the organization after a phrase teammates and coaches often use at swim competitions.
On Saturday, Good Swim will celebrate its new status as a nonprofit with the “Good Swim Starting Block Party,” a fundraiser to help build a year-round indoor swimming facility. The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., at Grace Northridge, 2659 Eisenhauer Road. Tickets are $10.
Go and read the entire article, Swim Teacher Gives Splash of Inclusion, courtesy of the San Antonio Express-News.
