Article provided by Swimming North Coast
Swimming North Coast's eighth annual Multi Class Development Come and Try Day was held early in March to capture participants from the school swimming pathway, through which we access most of our potential new Para swimmers. This early date turned out to be a brilliant decision, because we had our highest attendance ever. Later, it also proved to be a wonderful decision because we beat the chaos and cancellations forced by COVID. We are again, fortunate to have the support of Allura, in allowing South Grafton Indoor Pool to be used.
Fifteen swimmers attended, twelve of whom were new to the system. The day started with an inspiring talk by our visiting guest, Paralympian Tim Hodge, from Auburn Swimming Club. Tim spoke of his journey from a young swimmer, to the great swimmer that he is today, acknowledging the coaches that have helped him progress. The children really engaged with Tim and were interested especially in
his World Championship and Commonwealth Games achievements. Parents too had lots of questions and Tim’s father was more than keen to help answer some of these. Some of the parents stayed and conversed with Tim’s father for a while, interested in how they as parents could support their own children.
Helen Phipps was our head coach for the day. Helen started the coaching part of the day with an activation session. We were also privileged to have assistance from Pedro Barbosa, who travelled the short distance from Coffs Harbour to meet up with Tim. Pedro had coached Tim when he was much younger. Pedro stayed and assisted with coaching of our more experienced swimmers. Karina Plunkett also provided most valuable support to some of the very young children who were just starting to swim. The three coaches led by Helen were a great team and it ensured all the swimmers, whatever their current level of competency, received help and encouragement at an appropriate level.
During the lunch break the swimmers enjoyed the chance to have a photo shoot opportunity with Tim and to ask him further questions. After lunch Tim joined the swimmers in the water for some fun activities and relays.
Of course, this all happened before the Paralympic Trials and Paralympic Games. It was wonderful to follow Tim’s achievements and we hope that one day he may be able to re-visit the North Coast and show our young swimmers his one bronze and two silver medals.
Usually, we hold a Development day for our registered and more experienced Para swimmers. Unfortunately, COVID has beaten us yet again. This is a pity as so many of our swimmers performed well at the National Championships on the Gold Coast in April. We were looking forward to seeing all their medals. COVID has also forced the cancelation of the NSW MC Meet #3, so our new swimmers are yet to have a chance to compete. We have kept in touch with our parents and coaches via webinar, providing more information and an opportunity for more questions to be answered. We are fortunate to have help from our Club Support Officer, Lyn Connell, with the technology.
We look forward to seeing everyone when the delayed season start occurs.
