The Florida Swimming Club held its weekly get-together at Allen Glen High school this week.
Junior and senior members were all in attendance along with their parents as they bonded with some light competition against each other.
“This is a chance for our swimmers to have fun and get to know each other better. This is where the new members also meet some of our senior athletes and learn from them,” said Desiree Visagie.
The club will also be celebrating their 90th birthday in May, having been founded in 1925 and the original trophy awarded in that year is still in their cabinet.
The 55-member club has been going from strength to strength, having competed in the CGA Open LC Provincial Championships and placed seventh overall against 25 teams from central Gauteng. The club had 15 qualifiers and nine of those competed in the race. More than 20 of the teams members also participated in the Midmar challenge.
The club currently has five open water qualifiers, three national qualifiers and three senior national qualifiers.
A training camp was recently held which included double sessions and produced great results.
Lead by head coaches Tracey Hemphill, Andy Young and Irene Bussey, the young athletes were kept on their toes.
“The training camp is hard but everyone is commited so they can qualify for the regional and national championships. It is also a way to build team morale and doing their best while racing against each other,” said Hemphill.
Athletes from five to 60 years old can be found competing against each other.
Those who want to join the can contact Chairman Keith Dodkins on 083-266-8618 or keith@kotmedical.com
