First Swim – Event

Swimming is an ideal exercise modality for the individual with limb loss. First Swim reviews rehabilitation concepts related to the individual with limb loss, pool safety, and prosthetic limb management around the water. O&P community members with limb loss/ limb difference who are interested in improving their swimming ability.

Your instructor is Mabio Costa.  Mabio was born in Brazil with a congenital limb malformation. At the age of 12, Mabio had his left foot amputated below the knee and in 1982 joined the Brazilian Swimming team and started Triathlons in 1987. With this, Mabio became the first para-athlete to participate and be awarded in a triathlon competition in South America. He moved to NY in 1990 and played a major role in the introduction and development of rules for the International Triathlon Union (ITU) for accepting para-athletes in world championships. He then went on to win the 1996 Cleveland ITU Triathlon World Championship, representing Brazil. After the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, Mabio decided to become a US citizen and represent Team USA as a triathlete. Soon after, he won the 2004 Portugal ITU World Triathlon Championship. Mabio was also chosen to be the flag bearer for Team USA during the opening ceremonies at the 2006 World Championships in Switzerland.

Mabio started with OPAF in 2010 and has helped grow OPAF’s First Swim program nationally. He was named OPAF’s First Swim Director in 2018. Mabio has a passion for teaching new amputees and individuals with limb differences how to swim, regardless of age. Mabio brings positivity and excitement to teaching swim that is unmatched and with his infectious smile that lights up the room and will help guide participants in to encouraging and proving to them that they have the ability to swim. Mabio’s most recent accomplishment is participating with his Triathlon relay team, “3 Guys 2 Legs” and are the only disabled athletes competing against able-bodied athletes and have taken a podium stand every race, including a 1st place finish in September of 2021.

Lunch is generously provided by Ottobock to all who attend.

Be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel for the pool session.  More Information can be found on the Eventbrite registration page!