Last week, the Eldon & Elsie Ward
Family YMCA Marlins swim team made its debut. It was exciting to witness nine children participate in
their first swim meet. On that
day, the kids arrived early to observe how the swim meet was set up, to know
what the four swim strokes included and the rules of competitive swimming.
As the Marlins assembled, I noticed that
as they interacted with one another, their parents started to join in. While waiting for their competitive
event, the team members played cards and spent time catching up with one
another, and discussing their goals for the day.
As the start of the meet grew near, swim
team staff addressed the teams to let them know that they were expected to do
their best and to have fun. When
it came time for the Marlins to compete, we walked with
them down to the
starting blocks and stood, waited for them to take their
positions.
The starting time finally came! We watched with excitement as team
members began to swim; the entire pool deck cheering them on. Parents, staff and members of the team
were encouraging each child to stay the course and finish the race. What touched me the most is how each
child completed this event with determination. When the kids emerged from the pool, the timers and
officials greeted them with smiles and high fives, letting the team know they
did a great job.
Although our Marlins came in last at
their first meet, it was great to see the excitement and determination each
child displayed during the tournament.
It was also inspiring to see the encouragement from the parents, staff
and the other teams.
At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we are
committed to helping children be safe around water and feel the sense of
accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Through swimming, children can learn skills
that can encourage lifelong habits to lead a healthier lifestyle. They can also learn discipline,
increase self-confidence and develop problem-solving skills which can translate
into successes in the classroom.
Activities like swimming can also teach our youth positive sportsmanship,
teamwork and respect for others.
To learn how your child can be a part of a YMCA swim team or learn to
swim, please visit ymcacolumbus.org.
Yours in Y Spirit,
Vice President, District Operations
Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA
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