Smiles, laughs, hugs and tears were shared as the Suomi Family Aquatics Classroom was dedicated at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Friday, Sept. 12. The classroom, located in the Health Enhancement Center pool, was made possible thanks to a gift from Professor of Physical Education Rory Suomi and his wife Joanne, who died Sept. 2. [Photo Gallery]
The Suomis had a passion for aquatics programming and the desire to create an avenue for individuals in the community to have access to aquatics that had no limits. Rory Suomi developed the Special Needs Aquatic Program (SNAP) at UW-Stevens Point in the fall of 1992 to create programs in the newly built therapeutic pool and hired Joanne as a SNAP instructor.
SNAP programming includes adaptive physical education workshops, lifeguard training, water safety courses, swimming lessons and exercise courses for arthritis and special needs populations. In the future, the Suomi Family Aquatics Classroom will host scuba classes, lifeguard training, swim skill instruction, and will support the success of SNAP.
“The number of people who have been positively effected by these programs goes beyond calculations,” said Holly Schmies, Ph.D., head of the School of Physical Education and Athletic Training. “It’s much like the theory of the six degrees of separation, but we like to say the ‘ripple effect of SNAP and Joanne Suomi.'”
“From all the lifeguards who have been trained here to the ripple effect that crossed an ocean to bring adapted physical education programming to adults and children in China,” said Schmies. “And that is only the start of thinking about the reach and magnitude of the SNAP programs.”
The Joanne Suomi Memorial Fund was created to benefit aquatics programming and women’s varsity sports at UWSP. Donations can be directed to the UWSP Foundation at 2100 Main St., Suite 134 or www.uwsp.edu/givenow (designate the Joanne Suomi Memorial Fund).