The Y Penguins are a swim team for young people with physical disabilities and their able bodied siblings. This program was designed to help children and youth find pride and success through achievement. The Y Penguins provide an opportunity for young people to explore their abilities and find within themselves the confidence to pursue their goals and the capacity to develop the skills that will h
elp them see the many possibilities for their future. The Y Penguins are coached by marathon swimmer Vicki Keith. Vicki is known for her passion of selecting perceived impossible goals and then setting out to achieve them. Vicki brought this passion to the YMCA of Kingston 12 years ago. In that 12 years, the Y Penguins have had 12 national level and 4 international level athletes. 3 athletes have achieved world records in marathon swimming. The Y Penguin’s goal is to teach life lessons through sport. These dedicated athletes are taking on this adventure to challenge themselves, strengthen their ability to overcoming adversity and set a new world record. The Great Lake Adventure is in support of the Kingston YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Specifically it will raise much needed funds to help young people with disabilities continue to learn about their abilities and develop the skills to step into life with strength of spirit and confidence. Team members also see this as their opportunity to give back to their community while raising awareness for the needs of accessible programs everywhere across our province. Ontarians can show their support by going to http://www.kingston.ymca.ca and clicking on the “Canada Helps” button. We welcome followers on Facebook at The Great Lake Adventure or on Twitter at . The Kingston Y penguins Slogan is “Penguins Can Fly”. This summer they will prove this to be true as they push past perceived limitations and achieve what many believe impossible.
