Sophia Perez of NCAC
Sophia Perez of NCAC gives us a glimpse of Diversity Training Camp in Colorado!
It was such an honor to be invited to the National Diversity Select Camp! It was amazing to be at the Olympic Training Center and have the opportunity to swim and learn with a diverse group of swimmers from all over the U.S. We learned a lot about diversity and how important it is to help other swimmers from diverse backgrounds succeed in the sport of swimming.
Everyone at the Olympic Training Center was so friendly. I meet athletes from other sports and the training center staff. The chefs were really great!
The camp started on Thursday. We met at the airport in Colorado Springs and I was happy to see Jessica Nava there, who I met the year before at Zone Select Camp. The Olympic Training Center is nothing like I imagined. It is a village with training facilities for every sport you can think of. John Register spoke to us on Thursday night about his experience as a paralympian. It was really motivating to hear about his struggle and determination to succeed.
Other highlights included meeting Micah Lawrence and getting the chance to practice in the same lane. Regina Lewis talked to us about finding our power and our voice. After hearing Regina and John speak, I was so inspired.
In addition to some great practices, we went to the gym and did Power Yoga and learned about nutrition.
And how to make smoothies.
Overall it was a great experience and the best camp I have ever been to. I was so lucky to have the opportunity.
