An absolute success!!!
The kids got off the bus screaming for more. “When is the next one Lea – that was so fun!”
From the bus trip up, the racing, the playing, the team dinner and the bus trip back – all the swimmers were again on their best behaviour and represented their club with pride.
The results varied and are yet to be published. The day started with a huge high of many PB’s and outstanding swims. We saw the midday slump hit as at about 2pm but picked up towards the end of the day. (not sure if this had anything to do with the fact the kids learnt they were winning money not medals!). As expected the swimmers had to take a great deal of ownership with organising themselves in the areas of – getting to marshal, feeding themselves, coping with the high and low emotions attached to their swims, handling the no swim down/warm up pool and many other typical race day scenarios. They all did this well and we are very proud of them.
Thank you to Brandon who coached the house down. Sitting next to him all day long and listening to him give inspiring, professional and insightful race plans and race feedback – I know Abbotsleigh is in a very strong place. Thank you to the Rev for driving the bus, towelling down the slippery blocks for each and every swimmer, timekeeping and for his support and enthusiasm. Thank you to Sam Graham for driving, timekeeping, helping Nicole manage and for being as calm and cool as a cucumber. Big shout out once again to our Team manager Nicole Dunlop, who put in some hard yards pre trip with so many little behind the scenes things. Her organisational skills are a blessing as this allows us to get on with the coaching. Thank you to Suzanne McKay for helping us organise dinner – the Roasted Berry was a delightful place to have our team dinner and allowed the kids to chat and wind down after a long day of racing. Lastly thank you to the kids for their behaviour, laughter, camaraderie, racing tough and representing Abbotsleigh. Our presence was well noticed!
Thank you to the older gold swimmers for their leadership and great attitudes. Thank you to the younger kids for their surprising maturity. A big thank you to all the parent that trusted in Brandon and I to coach, look after and keep your children safe.
Congratulations to Shauny Champion the winner of the $4.00 for bringing harmony to the bus sing – a – long! Well done to Georgia, Annabelle and Brandon for the development of our new secret team hand shake.
Lastly we were extremely happy with the interaction between all the kids regardless of age or squad. What a great team building exercise that has resulted in an exceptional team spirit and we are planning to build on this as we approach the SMNE champs in 2 weeks times.
PS – 10% commission to the coaches for those wins and places 12 and over kids!!