EBSS Takes Summer Games By Storm, Fifteen Strong

by Asha Spitzer, EBSS coach-volunteer, Campolindo class of '26


"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”

- Special Olympics Athlete's Oath

The weekend of June 28th, 15 brave East Bay Sea Serpent swimmers had the honor to participate in the 2024 Summer Games. The Summer Games is a three day event, with over 1,000 athletes competing from 35 different counties. On Friday evening the Serpents arrived at Santa Clara University where they settled into their dorm rooms before heading down to the Opening Ceremonies.

The Opening Ceremonies is a chance for all athletes participating in the summer games, from all different sports and all different parts of California, to come together and celebrate the strength of their teams and the beginning of an incredible weekend. The Serpents entered in the Parade of Athletes with 72 other athletes of Contra Costa County, to their walk-up song, “Let's Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. Once the athletes were settled in their seats, a series of performances and speeches were held to commemorate the achievements of the athletes and of the Special Olympic program.

One of the speeches was given by inspirational speaker Connor Fields, a three time Olympic BMX biker. Connor, during his speech, mentioned something extremely relevant to the Sea Serpent community: “It took a team to win that race, and we all won that race together…”. Even though only sixteen Serpents traveled to Santa Clara that weekend, it was the hard work and dedication of each and every Serpent throughout the season that brought the East Bay Sea Serpent team to the Summer Games. Thanks to all of the serpents coming every Sunday, challenging, encouraging, and pushing each other to work to their best, EBSS as a team attained representation at the Summer Games. As the ceremony came to a close, the Summer Games officially began with the lighting of the torch. Running with the Flame of Hope, representing both Contra Costa County and East Bay Sea Serpents was our very own Sally Ann Gaughan!

The next day, the Serpents headed out of their dorm rooms and down to the pool deck with family, friends, and coaches. The Serpents quickly began racking up medals, starting with Lily Grenning’s 1st place 500 yard freestyle. Following the 500  yard freestyle came a string of success in the 50 yard freestyle, with gold medals to John Gomez and Ramon Silano and a silver medal for Tyler Caporaletti. Leena Layne showed off her stamina with her 1st place 200 yard breaststroke and Lillian Callahan Klein powered through every stroke in the 100 yard IM for a gold medal. 50 yard backstroke was also a popular event with a gold medal for Katie Vanderliet and a bronze medal for Jonah Small. Dillon Roach achieved gold in 25 yard breaststroke and Aaron Lo won 1st in 100 yard backstroke. After a hard day of racing, the Serpents went back to the dorms to get ready for the athlete dance or the movie showing.

Sunday brought a flood of success starting with Shari Kimball’s 1st place 100 yard freestyle and Ethan Poon’s 1st place 100 yard breaststroke. There was a strong showing of Serpents in the 25 freestyle with a gold for Donnie Wilson and Sally Ann Gaughan. Finally, on Sunday evening, Trenton Fontes swam a strong leg of the winning 4 by 50 yard freestyle relay.

The Serpents were able to pull off an avalanche of wins over the course of a truly incredible weekend. However, even when they did not win, they showed immense bravery with their attempts.

Below (photo credit Deanna Wentzel)
Lily, Lillian, and Shari at the Opening Ceremonies
Sally Ann in the Lighting of the Torch
John Gomez at the 1st place podium
The 4 by 50 yard freestyle relay team - Ethan, Trenton, Shari, and Leena
Ramon starting his race
Katie swimming her 50 freestyle
Tyler finishing his race
Dillon swimming his breaststroke