Competitive swimmers are invited to participate in the 2019 Georgia Unified Invitational (GUI): Celebrating the Olympian in All of Us, to be held September 21 at West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center.
“This event is all about bringing together many different groups. The purpose is really to drive home that they’re all one,” said Kai Akubo Smith, AngelfishGA/ATAQ, Area 18 Agency for Special Olympics Georgia. “With Special Olympians leading the way, GUI celebrates the Olympic spirit in all of us, recognizing that everyone has daily struggles and challenges to conquer.”
The invitational, a sanctioned Special Olympics and USA Swimming observed traditional sprint swim meet, is open statewide this year to all qualifying athletes of Special Olympics, USA Swimming, Paralympics, YMCA and US Masters, as well as uncertified athletes who have been certified through GUI.
“Uncertified athletes are swimmers who swam for summer league, middle or high school swim teams,” Smith explained. “They will need a letter from their summer league coach, verifying their times and their ability to perform race starts off the block.”
In addition to racing each other, athletes will have the opportunity to race against some of the top swimmers in the world, including 2016 Rio Olympic Gold Medalists Anthony Ervin and three-time Olympian, Gold Medalist and former world record holder Dana Vollnmer. The fun doesn’t stop with the swim meet. Participants can continue their good time at the Victory Village, which is open to the public.
“There will be a DJ cranking out hot tunes, a pool party, food trucks, local artisans and much more,” Smith said. “So save the date, participate, donate and celebrate at the 2019 Georgia Unified Invitational!”
GUI—pronounced “GOO-wee”—was formed to provide greater access, exposure and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities seeking to participate in traditional sporting events.
The admission fee for the pool party is a $10 donation. All donations are directed to Special Olympics Georgia.
West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center is located at 4488 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake, Ga. 30092. Visit georgiaunified.com for more information.
