| Hello everyone. A new season begins. New goals to achieve. Friendships to grow. Glad to see everyone again after summer holidays. The coaching staff is looking forward to helping your kids achieve their goals in the water. Whether it's improving their skillset or qualifying for a specific meet. As I have said in the past, we are a competitive swim club. Teaching kids to swim proficiently. Teaching kids to race. Teaching kids to race fast. However. There are a number of life skills that we teach as well. How to set and achieve short and long term goals. Which becomes a motivational tool throughout the season, particularly in April, May and June. The development of sportsmanship at practice and swim meets teaches the value of friendships within their group and throughout the club. It is during the swim meets that we attend during the season that truly tests the kids. The coaching staff can see firsthand how they deal with the following. Are they warming up properly? Are they dressed warm enough on deck? Are they hydrating enough? How are they dealing with sleeping in hotels and eating at restaurants? Are they making good nutritious choices at the restaurant as well as when packing for the trip? Did they speak with their teachers to discuss classwork they will miss? Then manage their time to get the work during throughout the weekend? Did they achieve their goals for the meet? If not, how do they deal with failing to meet those goals? All of the above are about applying the discipline they learn every day in practice. As coaches we believe observing all of the above while guiding the kids through the ups and downs of a swim meet is the ultimate training ground. It is at the swim meet where they can see the value of attending practice and improving. Every day. Having said all that, Prince Rupert (Oct 18-20) is next month, with registration available online. Deadline is this Saturday October 28. Cheers. | 
