Six Molonglo Water Dragons and three Tuggeranong Vikings had great fun helping conduct the ACT Special Olympics swim meet on Saturday 2nd September. This competition attracted 32 swimmers from the ACT, Illawarra, South Coast and Sydney ranging in age from 10 to 56. They competed in 15 events between 1pm and 4pm at the Stromlo Leisure Centre over a 25m course.
The meet was organised and co-ordinated by Leanne Holmes, secretary of ACT Special Olympics and swimming co-ordinator for the Greater Canberra Special Olympics Swimming Club. Representing Molonglo were Gary Stutsel (meet referee), Marg Larkin (chief timekeeper) and Chris Loose, Tamarind Meara, Mary Liz Partridge and Marg Wade (timekeepers), while Tuggeranong was represented by Greg Gourley (starter), Ann Reid (inspector of turns) and Max van Gelder (timekeeper).
The rest of the volunteers were parents and friends plus several helpers from Gallagher International, the platinum sponsor of International Special Olympics. Everyone had an enjoyable afternoon and were delighted by how much the swimmers enjoyed themselves both in and out of the water. Like Masters Swimming the swimmers ranged from beginners to those who had obviously been trained but the common factors for all were fun and participation.
Gary Stutsel
Picture below and all in their Water Dragons polo shirts are:
Left to right Mary Liz, Tamarind, Marg W. and Marg L. with Chris in front.
Left to right Mary Liz, Marg W. and Tamarind with Marg L. in front.