TARANAKI SWIMMERS TAKE THE PLUNGE
Swimming Taranaki works with the region’s swimming clubs, aiming to promote and nurture swimming throughout the community, develop swimmers’ life skills and provide them with pathways to success.
“We’re responsible for helping the clubs with funding for national competitions and other events. We organise regional championships and run events like the Flannagan Cup, an iconic open water event at Ngamotu Beach,” said Louisa Parker, Regional Administrator.
They also run Swim Camps at senior levels but hadn’t held a junior or intermediate camp for a year or more until January this year.
“It can be very difficult logistically and financially for young swimmers from other parts of Taranaki to attend camps in New Plymouth. Since each day includes an early-morning swimming session and another one in the afternoon, it’s often too hard for families to manage the travel,” said Louisa.
Toi Foundation funding enabled Swimming Taranaki to hold a January swimming camp this year and provide accommodation for the nearly 40 junior and intermediate swimmers who attended.
“The aim of the weekend is to develop fundamental swimming skills and fundamental movement skills out of the water. We hope to become a region with skillful swimmers and individuals that are equipped with the tools necessary to lead a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Mariano Garcia Nani, Aquabladz Head Coach.
“As well as the twice-daily pool sessions, the children enjoyed a range of other sessions including physio, stretching, strength, mindfulness, nutrition, skills development and goal setting,” said Louisa.
“We also focused on having fun and uniting as a region, with the swimmers split into teams and joining in fun games, competitions and camp chores, with prizes awarded throughout the weekend.
“Some of these swimmers had never been to a camp like this before. They’ll be looking to compete in national competitions in a couple of years, so it is a great opportunity to get a taste for what competitive swimming and training is all about while improving their skills and techniques over the weekend.”
