The CAF x YMCA Adaptive Swim Clinic brought together 13 athletes for a day focused on skill development, confidence building, and community in the pool. Led by coaches Alison Terry and Alan Voisard, the clinic created an inclusive training environment where athletes of different physical disabilities could learn, adapt, and grow together.

Focused Coaching and Individualized Progress

Throughout the clinic, athletes received hands-on coaching tailored to their specific needs and goals. Coaches Alison Terry and Alan Voisard emphasized technique, efficiency, and comfort in the water—helping each athlete refine their movement patterns and build confidence through repetition and feedback.

The structure of the clinic allowed athletes to alternate between individual instruction and small group work, creating a balance of personalized attention and peer learning.

Learning Through Community

One of the most impactful parts of the clinic was the opportunity for athletes to train alongside others with similar disabilities. For many participants, being in a shared adaptive sport environment helped build comfort and motivation in the water.

Athletes Daisy Foreman, Micaiah Empizo, and Sara Hazlewood participated in a group session with Coach Alan, where they learned new drills designed to support independent training after the clinic.

Training in a small group also allowed athletes to observe and learn from one another, reinforcing technique through shared experience and mutual encouragement.

First-Time CAF Swim Clinic Experience

For Gary Conti, a visually impaired athlete, the clinic marked his first CAF swim experience. Working directly with Coach Alan Voisard, Gary reported immediate improvement in his swimming efficiency.

After just one hour of focused instruction, Gary shared that he was able to swim more smoothly and with greater speed—an early but meaningful indicator of progress and confidence in the water.

More Than a Clinic: A Training Environment

Beyond technical instruction, the CAF x YMCA Adaptive Swim Clinic created an environment centered on inclusion and opportunity. Athletes were encouraged to explore movement freely, ask questions, and build comfort in their abilities.

For many participants, the experience was not only about improving swim technique but about reconnecting with sport in a supportive and empowering setting.

Looking Ahead

Clinics like this continue to play an important role in CAF programming by expanding access to sport and creating pathways for athletes to develop confidence in the water and beyond.

The momentum from the YMCA Adaptive Swim Clinic carries forward as athletes return to their home pools with new skills, new drills, and a stronger sense of community.