AWARDS & RECOGNITION
the Hannah’s Heart Award
the Hannah’s Heart award
The Hannah's Heart Award is granted each season to the swimmer who best embodies the spirit of our team, just like Hannah Dodd.
Hannah showed kindness to teammates, offered encouragement on and off the deck, and approached every race with heart and sportsmanship. It's one of our most meaningful honors, because it recognizes what no stopwatch can measure.
“Hannah was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. Most individuals with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone so things like walking, eating, and running were possible but would take much longer to achieve. Ever since Hannah was 3 years old, she loved swimming at the Traceside Pool. Swimming was a great exercise and gave her so much freedom of movement. At the age of 6, she joined the Traceside Barracudas and swam her first 25m Freestyle. With the cheering and encouragement of fellow Barracudas, she finished. She has never won a race but completing the race was very exciting for her!
She loves the swim team and starts, swims and finishes with a big smile. The Hannah’s Heart award means so much to her and our family.”
— Kay Dodd, Hannah’s Mom