Watch Swim Team

Swim Team is a 2016 documentary film that follows the journey of three young athletes on the New Jersey Hammerheads, a competitive swim team for individuals with autism. Directed by Lara Stolman, the film presents an inspiring and heartwarming portrayal of the challenges and triumphs these swimmers face both in and out of the pool. The film introduces viewers to Mikey, Robert, and Kelvin, three boys on the spectrum with a shared passion for swimming. Living in New Jersey, they and their families face a dearth of resources and services for individuals with autism. However, they discover the New Jersey Hammerheads, a swim team founded by Maria and Vito Mazza in 2007 with the goal of providing a safe and inclusive space for children with autism to learn how to swim and compete.

Swim Team takes us through the year-long journey of training, competing, and navigating life outside the pool for the Hammerheads. Mikey, Robert, and Kelvin all face unique challenges that stem from their autism, but their determination and dedication to the sport and the team are unwavering. They also develop deep and meaningful friendships with their fellow teammates, who provide a sense of community and belonging that can be hard to find for individuals with autism.

Throughout the film, we see the impact that the Hammerheads have not only on the individual swimmers but on their families as well. For Mikey's mother, the team provides a moment of respite from the isolation and stigma associated with having a child with autism. Robert's parents hope that his involvement with the Hammerheads will help him overcome his fear of social interaction, while Kelvin's mother sees the team as an opportunity for him to develop life skills and gain independence.

Beyond the personal stories of the swimmers and their families, Swim Team also sheds light on the broader lack of resources and support for individuals with autism. It highlights the importance of programs like the New Jersey Hammerheads, which provide an opportunity for children with autism to develop both physically and socially.

The film also touches on the ways in which sports can serve as a kind of therapy for individuals with autism. Swimming, in particular, is known to have therapeutic benefits for individuals on the spectrum, including increased muscle tone and coordination, sensory integration, and improved social interaction. Through their dedication to training and competing, the swimmers on the Hammerheads team are not only engaging in a physical activity but also developing vital life skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance.

Overall, Swim Team is a touching and inspiring documentary that shows the power of teamwork, community, and determination in the face of adversity. It provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals with autism and their families, highlighting the challenges they face and the remarkable resilience they demonstrate. By showcasing the impact of the New Jersey Hammerheads and other programs like it, the film makes a powerful case for the importance of inclusive sports programs for individuals with autism, as well as the need for greater awareness, support, and resources for this population.

Swim Team is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 72.