Hopewell native Zachary Brown competes in 2022 Special Olympics USA Games: Swimming
Hopewell native Zachary Brown has been selected to swim and represent Team Virginia at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Florida. He has earned a vast collection of medals, including more than 20 Gold Medals during his 20-plus years swimming with Special Olympics of Virginia.
"I am overflowing with joy and proud of Zach," Brown's mother Linda Ciancio-Brown said.
Brown, age 29, will compete in the 50 YD Freestyle, 50 YD Butterfly, and in the 200 YD Medley Relay, he will swim the 50 YD Butterfly.
This first-time experience does not make Brown one bit nervous.
"It feels great," Brown said. "I'm happy, excited and honored to represent Team Virginia."
During the February 28 General Assembly Session, Delegate Carrie Coyner honored Brown with a commending resolution for being selected to represent Team Virginia at the Special Olympics USA Games.
"I've watched Zach mentor our youngest kids in summer swim league over the years and support and cheer on our Hopewell High School football team at every game," Coyner said. "He is always there cheering on others in our community, and I am proud to cheer him on as he competes in June."
Hopewell Blue Devils
Brown has a 13-year tenure as a Hopewell High School Football Team manager.
"Zach is an amazing person who always sees the good in every situation. He is a tireless worker and someone who never leaves a task unfinished," Hopewell High School Varsity Football Head Coach Ricky Irby said.
Irby is extremely proud of Zach for earning this honor through hard work and dedication.
"Zach is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around. He shows up to work eagerly every day," Irby said. "He is a true inspiration to us all. I love him and his family tremendously, and I am so thankful he is a valuable part of our team."
How did Brown feel being in the spotlight?
"It was awesome to be recognized, encouraged, and honored," Brown said.
During the Session, Brown was joined by his mother, eight-year-old nephew Hunter Brown, Aaron Reidmiller, Hopewell Recreation and Parks Director as well as Rick Jeffrey and David Thomason of the Virginia Special Olympics.
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Athlete Zachary Brown
Teaching children to swim is a joy for Brown. His favorite and best time stroke is the freestyle. Brown was gifted a Hopewell Community Center lifetime membership where he practices and works out diligently.
At the Petersburg Family YMCA, Brown is a swim instructor for the Learn to Swim Program, and he is an Assistant Coach for the Wood-Dale Summer Swim Team in Hopewell.
What does Brown love most about coaching?
"To help the young children adjust to the water, learn to swim and teach them water safety," Brown said.
Team Brown
"I was happy to hear about Zach's success," Philip Larue, Petersburg Family YMCA Associate Aquatics Director said. "To have such an experienced swimmer as a swim instructor who can help teach the next generation of swimmers is wonderful."
"I can't describe how truly exciting it was to find out Zach was selected to compete. Not only for the great experience and accomplishment for Zach, but because of how much excitement it brought him," Wood-Dale Swim Coach Natalie Zoldork said. "Zach is so deserving of this opportunity and our team can't wait to cheer him on.
"The kids love Zach and look up to him, and I know this will be something we will be talking about for a very long time," Zoldork said.
"Zach always strives to do his very best, and he maintains a winning attitude at all times," Debra Strouth Thompson, Brown's former boss through the EFE high school program, said.
Spiderman fanatic
"Zach enjoys hanging out with family and friends," Ciancio-Brown said. "He is a great role model and loves spending time with his nephew Hunter playing board games, soccer, UNO, or just about anything Hunter wants to do.
"He loves to volunteer and read to children at HCPS Woodlawn Learning Center and is always willing to help others," Ciancio-Brown added.
Brown is a huge Spiderman fan. He has viewed every Spiderman movie, collects Spiderman comic books, and has countless Spiderman shirts and memorabilia. He has been spotted wearing a Spiderman suit, more than once.
2022 USA Games training
How does Brown train?
"I walk, lift weights, exercise, eat healthy, and drink lots of water," Brown said. "Three to four days a week, I swim at Hopewell Community Center."
The 2022 USA Games will be televised on ESPN Wide World of Sports June 6 -10.
Brown provides encouraging words for children trying to reach their goals, "Always work at your best and believe in yourself."
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell native competes in 2022 Special Olympics USA Games: Swimming
