A TEAM-UP between two of the region\u2019s swimming teams has ensured the continuation of the Special Olympics Ballarat.<\/p>\n
The team has amalgamated with the Ballarat Gold Swimming Club after having struggled since COVID to maintain their volunteer and committee numbers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPost-COVID, we really struggled with our volunteer build and we couldn\u2019t recruit,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got approval from Special Olympics Victoria to employ a coach from Ballarat Gold and amalgamate with them since they swim right across from us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Cuzens said joining up with BG has been a lifesaver.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means we can continue to provide our service to our athletes,\u201d she said. \u201cSpecial Olympics is unique in that it offers pathways to state, national and world games levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have our state competition coming up in July, so this gives us a solid support for our athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n
With both clubs already sharing training schedules on Monday evenings at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Special Olympics\u2019s athletes will coached by Ballarat Gold\u2019s Abbey Pierce with Special Olympics volunteer Chloe Penman assisting.<\/p>\n
The Special Olympics team is adding to nine squads of 126 athletes, and Ballarat Gold president Marissa Cofield said it\u2019s important to help keep them afloat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very excited to assist Ballarat Special Olympics to continue the great work they\u2019re doing helping people with intellectual disabilities enjoy recreational swimming,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Special Olympics Ballarat members are currently seeking a permanent swimming manager and can be contacted through BG at membership@ballaratgold.org.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A TEAM-UP between two of the region\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n