TOWSON, Md. - During the 2025 Landmark Conference Swimming & Diving Championships, student-athletes participated in a Special Olympics swim clinic hosted by the Landmark Conference in partnership with the Sharks of Montgomery County.

With over 20 volunteers, Landmark student-athletes led the Special Olympic athletes through four stations, focusing on essential swimming skills such as starts, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Montgomery County Shark swimmer Aly Ritzmann shared, "The Landmark swim clinic was run very well. Athletes got good feedback and tips to improve our strokes."

SOMO Swim Coach Jean Eisenhaur expressed, "We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Landmark Swimmers each year! The pool is full of happy athletes, trying their best to improve their technique while having fun meeting new friends. This event helps jumpstart our season, which will begin in the spring. It looks like 2015 was the first year for this event—wow, 10 years and going strong. What a great tradition! Many thanks for hosting us, and we look forward to 2026."

Moravian University's Catie Lovett, reflecting on her four years of volunteering, said, "I am extremely thankful to have been able to volunteer for the past four years at the Special Olympics Swim Clinic hosted by the Landmark Conference. It has been an amazing opportunity to help teach a sport that I love and have participated in for so many years. There is no better feeling than watching the swimmers' faces after receiving their awards. The family that swimming builds is like no other, and it has been great seeing that family build over the past four years."

Hosted at Loyola University Maryland's Mangione Aquatic Center, the event featured student-athletes and coaches from Landmark institutions who participated in swimming drills and cheered on the Special Olympic athletes during a 50-yard freestyle race. Afterward, all participants were honored in an award ceremony and received a T-shirt and medal for their efforts.

Several member institution coaches also attended. Moravian University Assistant Coach remarked, "The Special Olympics Swim Clinic in collaboration with the Landmark Conference was more than just a day in the pool—it was a celebration of ability, inclusion, and the power of sport to bring people together. Seeing the athletes' determination and joy reminded us all that true impact comes from shared experiences, encouragement, and breaking down barriers one stroke at a time. Witnessing their confidence grow showed the true spirit of swimming lies in connection, encouragement, and celebrating every achievement, big or small."

Drew University's Head Coach Rich Munson added, "This event embodies the spirit of perseverance, courage, and sportsmanship that defines Special Olympics athletes in and out of the pool. I always have a smile on my face seeing our friends and the passion they bring to the Landmark Conference."

Special Olympics Montgomery County (SOMO) provides year-round training and competitive in 23 sports and leadership programs for Montgomery County children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related developmental disabilities.