From the 12th to the 14th of January, to get things started in 2024, a collaborative effort between SISA and Mountain and Plains unfolded at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) making a huge success of the NARS Camp. Bringing together 20 National Swimmers who had participated in the 2023 Nationals on the Gold Coast, along with 5 coaches and two team managers the event proved to be a comprehensive and rewarding experience.
The camp, spanning from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, encompassed four two-hour sessions in the pool. The focus of these sessions was to refine various aspects of competitive swimming, providing a valuable platform for skill development.
A notable highlight of the camp was a session featuring guest speaker Tom Robinson. Robinson shared insights from his own journey, starting in his hometown of Grenfell without a coach. His narrative included strategies for handling setbacks, coping with injuries, and progressing through development programs—a valuable perspective for the aspiring swimmers.
Shannon Rollason from the Swimming NSW ACT Hub added significant value to the camp, providing feedback to coaches and observing the swimmers during a dedicated session on Saturday morning. This collaborative effort among coaches, swimmers, and support staff enriched the learning experience for all participants.
Jo Keown and Mark Lake extended their thanks to Chris Myers for assisting the camp at the last minute and acknowledged Shannon Rollason for his valuable contributions to the coaching team.
Everybody experiencing firsthand the excellent facilities at AIS was a noteworthy aspect of the event. The excellent pool and accommodation provided for the swimmers added to the overall positive impression of the camp.
Beyond its focus on skill development, the NARS Camp at AIS fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared learning among swimmers and coaches. This collaborative approach exemplifies the commitment of both SISA and MPS to the continuous development and success of their swimmers.
