Swimmer wins medals at international Down syndrome sports event

From the West Side Leader in Akron, Ohio:

WEST AKRON — West Akron resident Todd Eisinger won gold and silver medals in freestyle and breaststroke events at the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organization World Championships, which took place in Albufeira, Portugal, Nov. 27 through Dec 4.

While in Albufeira, Eisinger went to ZooMarine, a marine park with a philosophy based on environmental conservation and education. After attending an educational session about the marine mammals, he was able to swim with the dolphins in the pool, shown at right.

More than 200 athletes from 23 countries were in attendance at the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organization World Championships, and Team USA consisted of six boys and four girls from Ohio, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Utah, according to Eisinger’s mother, Debby.