WESTON, Mass. - In the midst of spring semester finals, members of the Regis College swimming and diving team took time Sunday, April 30, to help the Wellesley STARS organization prepare for its upcoming meets.

According to the organization, Wellesley S.T.A.R.S. (Striving to Advance Recreational Services), Inc. offers comprehensive swim training and a competitive swim program for children and adults with special needs from Wellesley and its surrounding towns. For over 25 years, some STARS swimmers have competed in Special Olympics state, regional, national, and international meets, while others attend for exercise and social purposes.

Practices have been held at the Regis College Pool most Sunday afternoons since Jan. 8. On Sunday, Apr. 30, the Pride swimmers and divers conducted a practice meet as the STARS competitors prepare to qualify for the Massachusetts Special Olympics Summer Games.

The Regis swimmers and divers taught the STARS participants about the starting and timing system that will be similar to the ones used at the qualification meet Sunday, May 7, and the Massachusetts Special Olympics Summer Games June 10-11. The qualification meet will be hosted by Charles River Aquatics at the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley, site of the GNAC Swimming and Diving Championships, while the state meet will be held at Harvard University.

"We set up the timing system and starter for the STARS swimmers to learn about meets. Our team was awesome with getting the swimmers to their lanes and starting each event. It was a wonderful afternoon for everyone," Diana Matthews, Regis College head swimming and diving coach, said.

The Wellesley STARS were joined by the Pride at a practice earlier this year, as the Regis swimmers assisted with their lessons. The Regis student-athletes worked with the STARS swimmers on stroke technique and starts both one-on-one and in small groups.

Regis College is a Division III member of the NCAA competing within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference in 20 intercollegiate sports, including men's and women's swimming and diving.