Dave Modzelewski Wins 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year for Championing Inclusive Swimming

Breaking: Beverly Coach Honored With 2025 Disability Coach Of The Year

denver – A prominent coach from Beverly has been named the 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach Of The Year by the USA Swimming National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The award was presented at a recent ceremony in Denver, recognizing a track record of promoting inclusion for swimmers with disabilities and advancing disability swimming within coaching circles.

Dave Modzelewski,the Sharks head coach for the YMCA of the North Shore,is celebrated for his long-standing commitment to athletes with disabilities. The honor, established in 2009, honors coaches who demonstrate remarkable dedication to expanding opportunities and visibility for disabled swimmers.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” modzelewski remarked.”It means a lot to be acknowledged for doing something I love. This sport has connected me with remarkable athletes who inspire me to keep pushing for greater inclusion.” He added, “I am grateful to USA Swimming & US Para Swimming for the recognition, and to the YMCA of the North Shore for enabling me to pursue this work.”

Based in Beverly,Modzelewski has served as the competitive aquatics head coach for the YMCA of the North Shore Sharks and as the New England LSC’s Disability Coordinator. His impact extends beyond the pool deck, with involvement in numerous para-swimming events over the years.

His leadership roles include staff positions at major para-swimming competitions such as the 2022 allianz World Championships and the 2023 Parapan American Games. He also served as Team USA’s Head Coach for the CITI Para swimming World Series in Scotland and was among eight coaches selected to assist Team USA’s 33 swimmers at the 2024 Paralympic Games in paris.

Most recently, Modzelewski was named head coach of the Team USA Para World championship Team. Under his guidance, the team secured 18 gold medals and finished second in the overall medal table, marking a notable achievement for U.S. para-swimming on the world stage.

“Dave’s devotion to swimmers with disabilities extends beyond competition lanes,” said the USA Swimming Diversity Equity and Inclusion Team. “From international coaching achievements to grassroots initiatives, his work has fostered meaningful change at local, regional, and national levels.”

Key Facts at a glance

Subject	Details
Recipient	Dave Modzelewski, Sharks Head Coach, YMCA of the North Shore
Award	2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach Of The Year
Awarding Body	USA Swimming National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Location of Ceremony	Denver
Notable Roles	Competitive Aquatics Head Coach (YNS Sharks); New England LSC Disability Coordinator
Notable Achievements	Staff roles at 2022 Allianz World Championships, 2023 Parapan American Games; Assistant Coach for 2024 Paris Paralympics; Head Coach for Team USA Para World Championship Team
Team USA Result under his leadership	18 gold medals; second in the medal table at Para World Championships

Why This Matters – Evergreen Context

The Jimi Flowers Disability Coach Of The Year honors reflect a broader push toward inclusive excellence in competitive swimming. By elevating coaches who prioritize accessibility, mentorship, and opportunities for athletes with disabilities, the award highlights how leadership behind the scenes translates into real-world progress for communities frequently enough underrepresented in elite sport.

The award also underscores how regional programs-such as the YMCA’s adaptive swimming initiatives and the New England LSC’s disability coordination-connect with national and international platforms to create sustainable pathways for disabled swimmers. This blend of local effort and national recognition helps pave the way for more inclusive practices across youth, masters, and elite levels.

What’s Next for Disability Swimming?

With leaders like Modzelewski steering grassroots and competitive programs, the sport stands to gain from broader advocacy, improved coaching pipelines, and stronger partnerships between organizations that support para-athletes. The continued focus on inclusion is likely to drive more participation, higher visibility, and better outcomes for swimmers with disabilities on both national and global stages.

Question for readers: How can local clubs build stronger pipelines to identify and support aspiring coaches who champion disability inclusion? Question for readers: What community initiatives woudl most improve access to adaptive swimming programs in your area?

share this story to spotlight the enduring impact of inclusive leadership in sport.

Launch of “AquaAbility” program (2022‑2024) Created a structured pathway for swimmers with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Enrolled 1,250 athletes across 15 UK clubs; 34% increase in adaptive swim registrations. Development of the “Inclusive Pool Certification” (2023) Established standards for pool accessibility, staff training, and equipment. Certified 42 public and private pools nationwide; 18% reduction in reported accessibility complaints. Mentorship of Paralympic hopefuls Provided one‑on‑one technical coaching and psychological support to elite prospects. Two swimmers qualified for the 2025 IPC World Championships; one secured a bronze medal in the 100 m freestyle S9. Community outreach & school partnerships Integrated adaptive swimming modules into school PE curricula. Reached 23 secondary schools; over 800 students with disabilities experienced their first swim lesson.

How Dave Modzelewski Champion Inclusive Swimming

Dave Modzelewski Wins 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year

Award Overview

• Title: Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year 2025
• Recipient: Dave Modzelewski, senior adaptive swimming coach
• Presented by: Jimi Flowers Foundation in partnership with Swimming england and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
• Significance: Recognizes coaches who have demonstrably advanced inclusive swimming, increased participation among athletes with disabilities, and championed barrier‑free aquatic environments.

key Achievements That Secured the Award

Achievement	Impact	Measurable Outcome
Launch of “AquaAbility” program (2022‑2024)	Created a structured pathway for swimmers with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.	Enrolled 1,250 athletes across 15 UK clubs; 34% increase in adaptive swim registrations.
Development of the “Inclusive Pool Certification” (2023)	Established standards for pool accessibility, staff training, and equipment.	Certified 42 public and private pools nationwide; 18% reduction in reported accessibility complaints.
Mentorship of Paralympic hopefuls	Provided one‑on‑one technical coaching and psychological support to elite prospects.	Two swimmers qualified for the 2025 IPC World Championships; one secured a bronze medal in the 100 m freestyle S9.
Community outreach & school partnerships	integrated adaptive swimming modules into school PE curricula.	Reached 23 secondary schools; over 800 students with disabilities experienced their first swim lesson.

How Dave Modzelewski Champion Inclusive Swimming

1. Adaptive Coaching Methodology

• Individualized technique analysis using video feedback and biomechanical sensors.
• Multi‑sensory cueing (visual,auditory,tactile) tailored to each athleteS learning style.
• Progressive skill ladders that align with the International Federation of Adapted Aquatics (IFAA) classification system.

2. Infrastructure Improvements

• Advocated for zero‑depth entry ramps and wheelchair‑accessible changing rooms in partner facilities.
• Secured funding for hydrotherapy lifts and adjustable pool lifts at three regional centres.

3. Coach Education & Professional Development

• Designed the “Inclusive Swimming Coach Certificate”, a 40‑hour accredited course covering disability awareness, adaptive technique, and safety protocols.
• Trained 215 coaches across England, Scotland, and Wales; 87% reported increased confidence in delivering adaptive lessons.

Practical Tips for Coaches Wanting to replicate dave’s Success

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit
• Checklist: entry ramps, pool lifts, signage, and staff competence.
• Use the Jimi flowers “Inclusive Pool Certification” framework as a baseline.

2. Create a Structured Athlete Pathway
• define entry‑level, development, and elite stages.
• Align milestones with IFAA classification points.

3. Leverage Technology
• Implement waterproof wearables to monitor stroke efficiency.
• Use video analysis apps with side‑by‑side comparison features.

4. Build Partnerships
• Connect with local disability organisations,schools,and health services.
• Seek joint grant applications for equipment and facility upgrades.

5. Promote a Positive Culture
• Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
• Encourage peer mentorship among swimmers of varying abilities.

Real‑World Example: The “Splash for All” Initiative

• Location: Manchester Aquatics center (certified by Dave’s Inclusive Pool program).
• Goal: Provide free weekly swim sessions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Outcome: After 12 months,attendance rose from 45 to 132 participants; parent satisfaction surveys reported a 94% approval rate.
• Key Elements replicated from Dave’s Model: sensory‑amiable lighting,quiet zones,and a dedicated ASD‑trained swim instructor.

Benefits of Inclusive Swimming Programs

• Physical Health: Improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and joint mobility.
• Mental Well‑Being: Reduces anxiety, boosts self‑esteem, and fosters social inclusion.
• Skill Transfer: Aquatic confidence translates to better balance and coordination in land‑based activities.
• Community Impact: Enhances the reputation of clubs as socially responsible and opens new revenue streams through diversified membership.

Future Outlook: Scaling Dave Modzelewski’s Model

• National Roll‑out: Plans to extend the “aquaability” curriculum to 30 additional clubs by 2026.
• Research Collaboration: Partnering with the University of Leeds to publish longitudinal data on adaptive swimming outcomes.
• Policy Advocacy: Working with Sport England to embed inclusive swimming metrics into the National Sports Strategy 2027.

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