Bloommingdale Swimmer Earns Special Olympics Blue Ribbon at BSAC

Bloomingdale’s Sean Anderson, 28, walked his way to a blue ribbon at the Hillsborough County Special Olympics swimming competition, held July 14 at the .

• For more about the swimming competition, read the Brandon Patch report, .

Anderson's participation in the 15-Meter Walk through the pool came much to the pride of his parents, Kenn and Candice. But it was just the start of the day for Sean, who spent his time after the event bowling and on a bike ride.

“He was pulling me out the door to get on the bike,” said Anderson’s father, Kenn. “He participates in almost everything he can, from golf to soccer to baseball.”

Sean has been active in sports since he was a youngster. When he saw his older two sisters active in sports, “their little brother [Sean] wanted to do the same,” Anderson said.

“These events are another way for these kids to be engaged and actively involved and be able to succeed at something,” said Anderson, who 12 years ago helped launch Brandon’s TOPS soccer program, which gives youngsters with disabilities a chance to play soccer.

The Special Olympics events give the athletes a real sense of accomplishment, Kenn Anderson said.

“They get a chance to get in the water with peers, and whether they win or not, it gives them a chance to participate," Anderson said. "If you strip everything away, they are just people like everyone else, with the same desires. They are used to people saying, 'Sit and cheer,' for others. In events like this they can have people cheer for them.”