First Swim- Registration

600 E Market St,San Antonio TX 78205

27 September, 2022

Description

If you would like to improve your comfort and ability in the water, please join us for an afternoon of activity and fun!  Our swimming clinic will teach you water safety skills, transfers at the poolside, and swim strokes for individuals with limb loss.  OPAF and your local sponsor are providing you with an opportunity to learn from the best!  We want you to master these basics of swimming so that you may improve your fitness and independence.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet and mentor other individuals with limb loss in your community.  Let's get you into the water. All levels of ability are welcome! Registration and Check-in begins at 12 Noon.  Stay for clinic instruction and a great workout from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.   This event is sponsored by Cascade Orthopedic Supply and New Life Brace and Limb. Your instructor for this event is Mabio Costa. Mabio was born in Brazil with a congenital limb malformation. At the age of 12, Mabio had his left foot amputated below the knee and in 1982 joined the Brazilian swimming team and started triathlons in 1987. Mabio became the first para-athlete to participate and be awarded in a triathlon competition in South America. He moved to New York in 1990 and played a major role in the introduction and development of rules for the International Triathlon Union (ITU) for accepting para-athletes in world championships. He then went on to win the 1996 Cleveland ITU Triathlon World Championship, representing Brazil. After the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, Mabio decided to become a US citizen and represent Team USA as a triathlete. Soon after, he won the 2004 Portugal ITU World Triathlon Championship. Mabio was also chosen to be the flag bearer for Team USA during the opening ceremonies at the 2006 World Championships in Switzerland. Mabio started with OPAF in 2010 and has helped grow OPAF’s First Swim program nationally. He was named OPAF’s First Swim Director in 2018. Mabio has a passion for teaching new amputees and individuals with limb differences how to swim, regardless of age. Mabio brings positivity and excitement to teaching swimming that is unmatched and, with his infectious smile that lights up the room, help guide participants to improve their ability to swim. Mabio’s most recent accomplishment is participating with his Triathlon relay team, “3 Guys 2 Legs,” and are the only disabled athletes competing against able-bodied athletes. They have taken a podium stand in every race, including a first-place finish in September 2021. Please bring your swimsuit, goggles, and any supplies necessary to don/doff your prosthesis. The following information is a waiver required for your participation.  You will be asked to acknowledge this information when you register.  If you would like a separate copy emailed to you, please contact the organizer.