Colorado Swimmer Wears His Team Spirit with Pride

By Janelle Guthrie

July 5, 2018

Ben Sandoval has two words of advice for his fellow Special Olympics athletes: Swim faster!

The 40-year-old from Denver, Colo., sat proudly in the front row of the bleachers at the Opening Ceremony with his coach, Melissa McElroy, and friend, Cory Chandler—his fingernails painted in Colorado blue with the Colorado logo on his index and ring fingers.

He said he even shaved his legs to improve his time—and it paid off as he recently swam his fastest time during practice.

This trip to the Special Olympics USA Games was Ben’s first experience traveling. He trained two days a week for the last year with Randy’s kids at Rangeview High School in Aurora, Colo., to prepare for this opportunity. He’s grateful to his mom and dad, Chris and Joseph, for their love and support.

“I love my whole family,” Ben exclaimed.

“Ben is great,” Chandler said.  “He’s super excited happy when he’s competing.”