Brakpan-based Tadpole Swimming Academy recently hosted a fun swimming gala at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg and at their swim school in Dalview.
The fun event was to promote swimming, learn to swim in the East Rand, and expose students to the benefits of swimming.
The academy competed against 14 swimming schools in Ekurhuleni, with one school coming from Lenasia.
The owner of Tadpoles, Christelle Radyn, said she was overwhelmed by the support and attendance at the gala event.
“The overall experience was excellent. It was lovely with all our students participating in this friendly gala against other schools. We are proud of them,” Radyn said.
Radyn said seeing the spirit of parents supporting their children was wonderful.
Detailing the history of Tadpole Swimming Academy, Radyn said her mother established it 32 years ago when she left the Free State.
“My mother was a Springbok swimmer and I took over from her eight years ago when she immigrated to Qatar in the Middle East. Her legacy in Ekurhuleni will continue,” Radyn said proudly.
Radyn said she was inspired to take over because she had been in the industry for almost 20 years as a competitive swimmer.
“Also, I saw a gap to fill, seeing that there was no bridging gap between learning to swim and competitive swimming.
“What often happens is that when a child is ready to swim competitively, they are not exposed to the immense pressure that they get from competitive swimming.
“What we have done is get them exposure in a fun way with their teachers swimming with them so that it is not so daunting to them.”
Radyn highlighted that learning to swim is not often promoted in South Africa, besides hearing about famous swimmers.
“We hardly hear about small schools that build them to get them into competitive swimmers, as we are the foundation of swimming,” Radyn said.
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