Name: Leo Amadeo 

Sport: Swimming

His story:

Leo began swimming with Coach Mike Prout and Adaptive Sports New England with their Youth Para Swimming Program. Coach Mike worked with Leo on improving different strokes. Thet did drills and speed training and focused on different kicks. Coach Mike also spent time with Leo to improve his dive off the block and his flip turns.

Later, Coach Mike encouraged Leo to take part in Bay State Games. This was Leo’s first experience at any meet and his first Bay State Games. He didn’t know what to expect, he was a bit nervous but also excited.

He LOVED the whole experience! He did the 50 and 200 freestyle at BSG and he placed silver in both. He loved the energy of the event with all the swimmers and all the heats. He said it was exciting both to participate and to watch. 

But more importantly, competing in BSG gave Leo confidence and he wanted more! Before BSG, swimming was a competition with himself to improve his personal best. But to actually compete against others, he became energized with the competitive spirit and endorphins. Again, he wanted more!

From this experience, he gained the confidence to try out for his local Y swim team. He made the team and he just finished his first season of swim team with the Y. And true to form, Leo’s personal records were also set in competition, in the heats with adrenaline and Leo’s competitive mindset in full force!