Wellesley S.T.A.R.S., Inc. offers comprehensive swim training and a competitive swim program for children and adults with special needs from Wellesley, Massachusetts and surrounding towns, from January to June each year. For over 25 years, some STARS swimmers have competed in Special Olympics regional, state wide, national and international meets while others attend for exercise and social purposes.
Swim practice is held weekly on Sunday afternoons from January to June. Starting in 2026, our founding coach Karen Bernardo is coach emerita. The lead coach is Carly Donelson, assisted by a number of other coaches, many with more than 15 years of experience in coaching individuals with special needs. Trained high school volunteers from the Wellesley area also assist with coaching.
Our athletes develop confidence as a result of building new swim skills. Their enhanced self esteem often benefits their family, school or work experiences. Informal networking by the parents helps families to maintain up to date knowledge of other recreational and educational opportunities for their athletes with special needs.
While children need to be eight years old prior to competing in Special Olympics meets, they can begin swim training at early as age 6.
Contact Carly Donelson, Head Coach, at wellesleystars@gmail.com for further information or to arrange for a visit to a Wellesley S.T.A.R.S. swim practice.