Caleb Schmidt, 14, has qualified to compete at the U.S. Paralympic Spring Swimming Nationals/Spring Can-Am, April 7-9, in Minneapolis, Minn. Schmidt, a freshman at Wooster High School, is the only swimmer on the high school swim team to qualify and compete at a U.S. national event this season.

Schmidt, born with spina bifida, will be competing at the U.S. Paralympic Swimming Nationals with elite swimmers with physical disabilities from all over the world. Schmidt has qualified for the following events: Freestyle 50 M, 100 M and 400 M; 100 M Breaststroke; and 200 M Individual Medley.

The U.S. Paralympics are the elite competition for people with physical disabilities. The Spring Swimming Nationals/Spring Can-Am is the highest level of swimming competition that the U.S. Paralympics offers. Additionally, it is an international meet with more than seven countries attending. Athletes must qualify to attend; only the best and fastest swimmers in the country will be present to compete. There are no age divisions at this meet; Schmidt will compete against adults.

To learn more about the U.S. Paralympics, adaptive swimming or the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio visit http://www.ohioadaptivesports.com, email adaptivesports@rocketmail.com, or call executive director, Lisa Followay, at 330-317-5259.