Swimming clubs come together

A TEAM-UP between two of the region’s swimming teams has ensured the continuation of the Special Olympics Ballarat.

The team has amalgamated with the Ballarat Gold Swimming Club after having struggled since COVID to maintain their volunteer and committee numbers.

With their coach of 20 years, Marj Mundie, having stepped down at the start of the year, committee member and acting swimming manager Kylie Cuzens said Special Olympics Ballarat was in dire need of support.

“Post-COVID, we really struggled with our volunteer build and we couldn’t recruit,” she said.

“We had our 10 to 12 athletes and we were without a coach, without a swim manager, and with literally two or three volunteers that could run our program.

“We got approval from Special Olympics Victoria to employ a coach from Ballarat Gold and amalgamate with them since they swim right across from us.”

Ms Cuzens said joining up with BG has been a lifesaver.

“This means we can continue to provide our service to our athletes,” she said. “Special Olympics is unique in that it offers pathways to state, national and world games levels.

“We have our state competition coming up in July, so this gives us a solid support for our athletes.”

With both clubs already sharing training schedules on Monday evenings at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Special Olympics’s athletes will coached by Ballarat Gold’s Abbey Pierce with Special Olympics volunteer Chloe Penman assisting.

The Special Olympics team is adding to nine squads of 126 athletes, and Ballarat Gold president Marissa Cofield said it’s important to help keep them afloat.

“We’re very excited to assist Ballarat Special Olympics to continue the great work they’re doing helping people with intellectual disabilities enjoy recreational swimming,” she said.

“There’s the opportunity should any of their swimmers wish to swim competitively, they can come into our squads as well and swim according to their skill levels.”

Special Olympics Ballarat members are currently seeking a permanent swimming manager and can be contacted through BG at [email protected].