New swim club putting emphasis on learning to compete

Recently formed Selwyn Swim Club in Christchurch is working closely with the Selwyn Aquatic Centre to give swimmers the opportunity to learn about competing.

Earlier in the month Selwyn Aquatic Centre and Selwyn Swim Club hosted a race night which was open to all swimmers enrolled in their squad programme and two of their learn to swim levels.

The idea behind the race night was to provide an opportunity for the swimmers in both of these programmes to gain some racing experience in a fun and friendly environment.

At the recent race night there were over 85 swimmers registered to race, ranging in age from seven to 18 years old.

There were swimmers with a wide range of swimming experience and ability, from those who have done a lot of racing and competitive swimming to those who had never raced before and were having their first go.

The Selwyn swim school and squad programme see this as a vital and effective way of keeping children in swimming programmes after they have finished the basic learn to swim levels.

The swimmers enjoy the fun ‘have a go’ environment which encourages them to try new skills and compete against their friends. The learn to swim children get a taste of what it’s like to be in squads and get familiar with the coaches, meaning a good number then want to continue on once they graduate from the learn to swim programme.

The Selwyn Aquatic Centre opened in June 2013, and the swim club was formed in May 2014.