Humboldt swimmers Samantha Fisher and Tia Zimmerman are in Antigonish, Nova Scotia representing Saskatchewan for the 2018 Special Olympics National Summer Games.

The seven-person swim squad began competition Wednesday, assistant coach Tiffany Powell said. The games continue through August 4, with swimmers divided into groups of similar ability.

“I think there’s lots of excitement, There are lots of athletes that this is their first nationals or their first summer nationals, so I think there’s a lot of nerves but there’s also a lot of excitement and they’re definitely wanting to do as best they can.”

The team has been training twice a week for the past year, with cross training sessions once a week. They’ll need to try their best to win, but Powell also wants them to have fun.

“Even if there’s maybe a bad race we always look at the positives and move on to the next one.”

The Games have been a blast so far, Powell said.

“This is my first national games as a coach so it’s a learning experience for me as well. I’m enjoying it.

“Being able to see the athletes and help them as much as possible is awesome, and that’s why I do what I do.”

Swimming 2

Team Sask at the 2018 Special Olympics Summer Games.