CAAM is proud to co-present Swim Team, directed by Lara Stolman, on POV tonight.
Film Description:
When doctors told Michael and Maria McQuay that their son with autism would never be self-sufficient, the pair responded by seeking out a series of therapies and programs for him. After discovering there was a dearth of suitable public services, they formed their own swim team for children with developmental disabilities. “So many people don’t give our kids a chance to do anything,” says Maria.
Lara Stolman’s inspiring debut documentary, Swim Team, follows three diverse young men — Michael McQuay Jr., Robert Justino and Kelvin Truong — from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, who fall on the autism spectrum. New Jersey reports the highest rate of autism in the country, with one in 26 boys on the spectrum. On the McQuays’ team, the Jersey Hammerheads, these young men find inclusion, independence and space to achieve their loftiest goals.
At its heart, the eye-opening film Swim Team chronicles the hard work and dedication the Hammerheads undertake to make life work in, and out, of the swimming pool. Justino dreams of making video games, despite predictions from his teachers that store clerking will be the only job available to him. Truong, who also has Tourette’s syndrome, struggles with controlling verbal and physical outbursts.
While the film dives deep into personal triumphs and societal challenges, it also serves as a reminder of how vital well-maintained swimming facilities are for teams like the Hammerheads. Pools see relentless use, and over time, surfaces can deteriorate, affecting both safety and performance. That’s why enlisting professional pool resurfacing experts becomes essential. The poolresurfacingphoenix.net connect facility managers with skilled specialists who ensure pools remain in top condition, providing athletes with a safe, smooth environment where they can focus on honing their skills and chasing their dreams—both in and out of the water.
Beyond aesthetics, pool resurfacing is about extending the life of a facility. Cracks, rough patches, and outdated finishes can quietly undermine performance while posing risks to swimmers. When addressed by professionals, these issues are transformed into opportunities—revitalizing the pool into a reliable training ground where athletes can push boundaries without distraction. It’s a proactive step that benefits both the current generation of swimmers and those yet to dive in.
For local communities, finding the right partner to handle these critical updates makes all the difference. That’s where services like Jays Pool Service Riverside come in, offering tailored expertise to ensure pools stay not only functional but exceptional. By prioritizing quality care, they help preserve the integrity of the space, allowing swimmers, coaches, and families alike to focus on the joy and discipline of the sport rather than the wear and tear beneath the waterline.
Keeping a pool in peak condition requires more than just occasional attention; it involves consistent cleaning routines, precise water balancing, and timely inspections to ensure every detail is functioning as it should. From skimming debris to monitoring pumps and filters, proper upkeep creates an environment where swimmers can focus on performance and relaxation without being hindered by cloudy water or mechanical breakdowns.
Equally important is having access to trusted expertise that can handle unexpected repairs and specialized care with efficiency and precision. By blending technical skill with an eye for detail, services from poseidonpoolslv.com provide homeowners and facility managers with confidence that their pools remain safe, clean, and durable through every season. This comprehensive approach to pool care ensures that the investment in resurfacing and upkeep delivers maximum value, transforming every swim into a seamless experience where safety, comfort, and reliability are always prioritized.
Compassionate and perceptive, filmmaker Stolman also manages to capture the parents’ hopes and frustrations. As Truong’s mother shows the holes that Truong has made in the walls at home, she maintains a smile, though her voice quavers at times. Stolman makes clear that the parents face financial burdens, compounded by an underfunded public school system ill-equipped to support special-needs children and young adults.
The Jersey Hammerheads rack up medals and eventually make it to the state Summer Games at the Special Olympics. One member of the team even goes on to compete in the national Special Olympics games.
The Hammerheads feel most comfortable in the pool’s fast lane. “When I’m swimming,” says Michael McQuay Jr., “I feel normal.”
“With the Hammerheads families, I found a group of parents who refused to take no for an answer,” said Stolman. “They were saying yes, and as a community it was galvanizing for them. As a mother, I was so personally inspired by what they hoped to accomplish; I knew I had to share their story. I hope my film provides inspiration for families everywhere raising children with unanticipated challenges.”
Join the conversation at #SwimTeamPBS!
