I’ll kick off the “20 days, 20 pictures, 20 stories” with one of my favorite people in the whole world; Jack Spartz. I’ve known Jack Spartz for probably five or six years now. We first met at a local masters swim program in Atlanta. Jack is a phenomenal swimmer and it probably helps that he’s something like 6 feet, 5 inches tall. When he stretches out his swim stroke in the lane, he can practically reach the opposite wall! But Jack’s reach as one of our key volunteers time and time again has been in his willingness to do whatever it takes to help our athletes. His speciality is with swim instruction, of course. Jack’s history with G2T not only includes his participation as a swim mentor for all three national camps, but he’s also volunteered as part of a small team of G2T representatives at the Amputee Coalition of America’s “First Swim” program at their annual conference back in 2009.
Jack comes from a very large family. I believe he’s one of 10 children, all grown adults now. Jack has used the impact Getting2Tri has made on his life and turned it into positive messages for his family. He has rallied his siblings to get involved in their own communities with volunteerism. Jack is a true leader in every sense of the world.
Pictured with Jack in this image is Christine Kerr, our first camp participant from “down under” in Western Australia. Jack was teaching Chris to swim on her stomach instead of floating on her back. She competes in triathlons back in her country despite her paralysis disability. I don’t recall the exact moment of this picture, but I know it was when Jack and Chris had a breakthrough in her swimming technique at the 2010 national camp. Chris will tell you that learning to swim on her stomach was a huge, huge accomplishment for her at the camp.
g2tprez
Although I’m honored by Mike’s note I wish the photo was from another angle so you could see the tears of joy rolling down Christine’s face. Christine was a pure insiration to swim with and experienced a quantum improvement in her swimming during the camp. She was so proud and couldnt wait to tell her husband the news about her swimming. The one thing I’ll always remember about Christine was her enthusiasm, laughter, smile and and willingness to travel that incredible distance to explore and expand her possibilities. Christine also had a wonderful friend that helps her in her training and traveled with her to the camp to support her goals and dreams. What a gift!
There’s a hundred great moments and friendships that happen during the camp and I encourage you all to take advantage of this uplifting experience. To Mike and all the athletes Thank You for this wonderful opportunity to share, learn and experience this time together.
Jack
G2T was certainly a life changing experience, and my time with Jack in the pool was probably the most unexpected life changing moment of my time at camp. I am so lucky to have had Jacks skills, warmth, and humour guide me to the most unexpected outcome!
Jacks amazing swim knowledge, his patience and the way in which he just knew how to make it happen is something i am so grateful for, as well as his level of patience with me when i just wasnt sure!
Jack, to you.. thankyou for reminding me that truly.. anything is possible if you just believe and have the people around you to show you how. You are an incredible person, and i am so , so thankful to have spent time with you.
(mike – thankyou for making it possible.. you know how much i appreciate you)
Hi Chris!
It was wonderful to meet and spend time with you at the camp. Your spirit and determination is beyond the inspirational.
Please keep in touch and let me know how things are Down Under!
Best,
Tara
hi Tara! so lovely to hear from you.. hows life up your way?
i have thought about you, and was sorry not to have gotten to say goodbye at the end of camp! it was a pleasure to have met you,and thankyou for all your help!!!
yes, it would be great to keep in touch!
perhaps you will get down here one day!?