Participants in Saturday’s Special Olympics swim meet were hugging and jumping up and down with excitement before the meet started.

Karin Brown, a coach for the Muskogee Sharks, thinks this is a good outlet for kids with special needs.

“They are a fun group of kids that just make you laugh,” Brown said.

Felicia Pruitt, aquatics coordinator for the city of Muskogee, is also a coach.

“It is a great way for them to interact with each other,” Pruitt said. “Just because someone has a disability does not mean they should be limited.”

This was the second year the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center hosted the Special Olympics Swim Meet.

There were a number of different events, including the 25-meter freestyle, 25-meter backstroke and a relay. Each of the competitors received a ribbon for their participation.

As swimmers lined up, the crowd stood so they could support their family and friends.

“I love when my family comes to watch me,” said Rileigh Stephens.

Rileigh doesn’t focus on the competitive aspect of the event.

“It is her time to shine, and she does not even care if she wins,” said Rileigh’s mom, Teka Stephens.

Swimmers were waving to parents, splashing around and ready to start their race once in the water.

Alaine Lambert, who has participated in the Special Olympics aquatics for three years, won first in the 25-meter freestyle event.

“I’m excited,” Lambert said. “My classmates came to watch me. I’m so happy.”

Lynette Lambert enjoys the fellowship her daughter has during their practices and the exercise she gets.

“She is a good swimmer, and it’s important for her to know how to swim,” she said. “I want her to feel confident in the water.”

Teams competing in the meet came from Broken Arrow, Tahlequah and Okmulgee. Fort Gibson combined with Muskogee for the event.

“We did not have a team in Fort Gibson,” said Melody Stacey, whose daughter Emily Stacey, was competing with Muskogee.

Emily Whitaker loves to swim and finds it a pure joy to come to the swim meets.

“She feels as if she is an Olympian swimmer, “ said mom Rebecca Reifsteck.

Sheridan Nichols, who helps take care of Whitaker and Lambert, takes them to swim practices and helps coach.

“They are my life and really keep me on my toes,” Nichols said.

The group gets together once a week to practice.

“It’s a whole group of friends that get together and have fun,” Reifsteck said.