The last month has seen the settling in of our new Board and the full coaching team. Coach development has been an emphasis of the Board's and we're pleased to see development opportunities for several of the coaching team coming to fruition: Monique and Jack attended the NZ Swim Coaches conference in Christchurch, hearing presentations from some very inspiring speakers (including Monique presenting ), and making connections across the swimming community. We are delighted to see Rafa's coaching skills acknowledged as he has been selected by Swimming NZ to be on the Targeted Coach Education Programme. There is also a programme in train to continue developing the junior coaching team's skills.
Thanks to the many parents and family members who have stepped up to assist the club in a multitude of different ways. It's so heartwarming to see so many enthusiastic faces firing up the BBQ, volunteering at meets, training poolside to become officials, donating goods for raffles, supporting other club families, helping out in the office...and gives our club a true community spirit.
Next year is the Club's Centenary and we are starting to plan some special celebrations - you can expect more details to come out on this from the team (Monique, and Board members Anna Jackson and Hannah McLean) as they confirm the details. Other Board priorities and sub-committees are Fundraising (no doubt you'll have tasted or noticed the efforts of Sham Hurbuns and the team), Sponsorship and Marketing, and Policies. If you've got skills or a passion you think would be helpful, please do let us know.
Its encouraging to see racing back on our regular schedules including Club night, Auckland Level meets, and time trials. Congratulations to all the swimmers (and their support teams) who competed for their schools at AIMES - you really did yourselves and the Club proud. Massive double clap to Caitlin O'Reilly for recently completing 5 of the 7 Great Ocean Crossings in her quest to be the youngest person in the world to achieve this - we are humbled by your toughness and tenacity!
It's only a couple of weeks now until the biggest event on our NSS calendar: the Golden Homes Swimfest. This is a super fun event for swimmers of all ages and their families and I'd encourage you to get involved however you can to be part of the buzz.
