Sharing My Pride
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by Alicia Rouse
In 1998 Gaylord High School had its first ever Varsity Swim Team. My friends and I thought it would be a fun experience so we joined the team. I am a double amputee so I had my prosthetic doctor make a pair of swim legs for me. The feet were equipped with a device so I could turn a switch, push my foot down, or flat like a ballerina, and lock the foot. This enabled me to swim through the water without having my feet at a 90 degree angle thus causing drag, and slowing me down. I was voted team captain, I made the front page of the Herald Times (local newspaper) and I usually finished in last place as I did not have much of a kick, I propelled my way through the water with only my arms. However, 1 time at a conference meet I came in a head of 1 girl!! That was and to this day still is one of the best days of my life. As a result of that win, I earned enough points to earn my Varsity Letter as a junior.
I am very proud of myself that I had the courage to participate in a public school activity and display my disAbility to the whole town.
Thank you,
Alicia Rouse
Connections for Community Leadership is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.
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