Swimmers make a splash at Swim School Showdown

More than 150 children from YMCA Auckland Swim Schools have recently stepped up to the challenge and experienced competitive swimming.

In an electric atmosphere, swimmers bristled with excitement, and couldn’t wait to see which Swim School would rule the pool in an epic battle of the Swim School Showdown at Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre managed by YMCA.

YMCA Auckland Swim School Quality Services Manager Karla McCaughan said it was an amazing event.

“The event has an aim of showcasing our talented swimmers and giving the children the opportunity to have a taste of what competitive swimming is all about, should they choose to follow that pathway,” Karla said.

“It’s about participation and community involvement and showing the children, in a friendly environment, how a swim meet is run. Of course there is also the inter-swim school rivalry.”

The Swim School that proved to have the quickest swimmers overall was the home team and defending champions Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre.

Karla said the best part about the event was the kids’ enthusiasm for getting in the pool and giving it a go.

“Seeing how many children were keen to be involved, and the level of skill that was demonstrated by the swimmers was the highlight.

“It was amazing to see all the coaches there, volunteering on a Sunday afternoon and putting their time, energy and expertise into their swimmers and helping them perform at their best.”

It’s only the second time the event has been held, and Karla said her team has already spotted where a few small changes could be made to make the event even better.

And while it was the home team that reigned supreme each competitor took home a certificate as a thanks for taking part.

A whopping 115 races were swum all up, which Karla said was a testament to so many keen swimmers involved in the YMCA Auckland Swim Schools squad program.

YMCA Auckland Swim Schools are all Swimming New Zealand Gold Quality Swim Schools and cater to all ages and abilities, ready to help those in their first introduction to swimming or taking their next step in developing their swimming skills.

If you would like to find out more about YMCA Swim Schools in Auckland, click here. To find a Quality Swim School near you click here.