The little swim club punching above its weight

LISMORE Workers Swim Team was set to host its first carnival in two years this weekend, buoyed by the support of the community and past members.

Club president Gary Dardengo said it had been a challenging time for the club, its numbers hit hard by the pandemic and floods that destroyed the Baths.

“Competitive swimmers needed water to train in. We lost them to Alstonville and Casino – which was a great advantage to those two clubs,” he said. “But now we’re back.”

The once-strong club is slowly rebuilding its numbers. Dardengo said he is overwhelmed by the support they have received from retired members and the community to help host the carnival.

“It’s heartening,” he said. “They are full of enthusiasm and passion. They are striving to do whatever they can (to hold the carnival). I love being a part of this club.

“From my point of view as the club president, I believe our club is punching above its weight, it’s just incredible.”

The carnival was a late addition to the North Coast Swim calendar, as the club had to wait for a boom to be installed at the Baths to hold an official meet.

Dardengo said it meant some swimmers may already have a full schedule, but the club was edging closer to their goal of 100 entries.

The carnival is a qualifying event for state and national titles, so it offered swimmers another opportunity to improve their times for selection.

Members of NSW Swim are eligible to enter the carnival that will stage races from 25m to 400m across all swim strokes. The competition is open for ages 7 and up.

Dardengo thanked the Lismore business community that had supported the club with raffle items for the carnival.

“It is amazing and heartfelt how many Lismore businesses have given something even though they have been through the floods too,” he said.

Dardengo said the Lismore Workers Swim Team was the only swimming club left in Lismore and new members are welcome.

They can contact the club via Facebook direct message to make inquiries.

The Lismore Swim Carnival is on tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) at the Lismore Memorial Baths.