UWC Aquatics club opens doors to aspiring swimmers

The University of the Western Cape Aquatics club opened its doors to 350 swimming enthusiasts and wannabe swimmers around the Western Cape, ranging from ages 6 to 35, for the Aquatics club fun gala on Saturday, 26 August 2017.

UWC Aquatics invited 15 disadvantaged swimming clubs and 20 schools to participate in a day of fun - and the UWC aquatic centre was buzzing with the youth and parents who were either participating or supporting the swimmers at the fun day gala.

The Gala’s entry fees went towards fundraising for UWC swimmers for the 2017/2018 season, and there were various swimming events for the swimmers to participate in, with prizes up for grabs for the winners.

In the “learn to swim” section where kids were being trained, they tried to do their best in their 25 metre challenge with a kicking board. But parents were also given an opportunity to take part and compete in the adult 50 metre race.

Derick Orderson, Senior Sports Administrator at UWC, said the Gala was intended for anyone with an interest in swimming - but most importantly the development phases of swimming, as the club is hoping to nurture and develop young swimming talent.

The next Fun Galas will take place at the Retreat indoor pool and the Atlantis swimming pool on 30 September and 28 October 2017 respectively.

“I would really like to thank the UWC Aquatics Committee,” said Orderson. “All the Sport staff, swimming instructors, club members and volunteers from Sport Science, and students from the various faculties on campus - you made this event possible, and maed sure so many many people had a fun and enjoyable time.”

UWC Aquatics offers ‘learn to swim’ programmes, lifesaving courses, water polo and the pool competition, as well as outreach programmes to schools regarding water safety. There’s also a student development programme to uplift our UWC students to become instructors - while earning a small stipend for their services.