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None of that mattered at a recent Omaha event, which focused on the things Retheferd can do.
The first Big Splash event brought together swimmers of all ages and abilities on Aug. 28 and 29 to promote inclusion and awareness of those with disabilities.
In total, the event, organized by the University of Nebraska Foundation, raised nearly $32,000 to expand services and programs for individuals with disabilities at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI).
Event presents rare opportunities
For Retheferd, who attends JP Lord, MMI’s Adopt-a-School, the Big Splash offered a never-before opportunity: to swim.
“He really liked it,” said his foster mother, Deb Johnson. “For the first time, he could get in the water and be like everybody else for a change.”
Gold medalist lends support to event
The Johnsons and their other children were at Westside High School on Saturday, Aug. 29 to cheer Retheford on. Also in attendance was Olympic swimmer Josh Davis.
In 1996, Davis won three gold medals at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. In Sydney in 2000, he won two silver medals and set the American record in the 200 meter free-style. It was a mark he held until a guy named Michael Phelps came along and broke it.
Davis: “Do your best”
Davis, who has an 11-year-old son with autism, gave an inspirational speech before the Big Splash.
“Always do your best and everything will work out just fine,” Davis told the crowd.
He should know. When he started swimming at age 13, his coach said Davis wasn’t very good and should switch sports. Davis switched coaches instead.
At 15, he was the best swimmer in Texas and at 17 he was the best in the nation.
While his gold medals are nice to look at, he’s truly most proud of 2000 performance.
“That’s when I swam my fastest, my personal best,” he said. “When you develop your gifts, you make your life better and the world a better place. It’s the best feeling in the world and I think it’s just what the Big Splash has done.”
Event emblematic of MMI mission
MMI Director Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., said the Big Splash epitomized the institute’s mission.
“MMI is all about children with disabilities being part of the community and helping them to achieve everything they can achieve,” he said. “The Big Splash made those ideals a reality.”
Whenever an individual with a disability finished swimming a race during the Big Splash, cheers from the audience erupted that would give a snowman chills and Davis was there to greet some of them with ribbons.
On Retheferd’s ribbon, Davis wrote: “To Paul: Swim great, smile big and never give up!”