{"id":1342,"date":"2016-11-09T07:38:46","date_gmt":"2016-11-09T05:38:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.e-spectations.com\/swimming\/?p=1342"},"modified":"2016-11-09T07:38:46","modified_gmt":"2016-11-09T05:38:46","slug":"swimming-pool-opening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-spectations.com\/swimming\/2016\/11\/09\/swimming-pool-opening\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming pool opening invited special guest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Swimming pool opening – the invitation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Athlone Park Primary invited Monica as special guest at the 2017 refurbished swimming pool opening.<\/p>\n

Part of our mission with swimming \u00a0is not only to grow Monica as a swimmer but also to inspire young swimmers<\/a><\/span>\u00a0to believe in themselves and work towards their own success.<\/p>\n

Not many athletes get the type of exposure needed in order to inspire other swimmers. \u00a0It is, therefore, a great honor for us to be invited as guests to the Athlone Park Primary <\/a><\/span>refurbished swimming pool opening and fun gala.<\/p>\n

Arriving at the Refurbished swimming pool opening<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"How25 October\u00a02016, we arrive early at the school and battle a bit to find parking. \u00a0Organized chaos one only find at schools when parents fetch the kids.<\/p>\n

Monica spots this Peacock in the front garden across the road from the school. \u00a0We learn from one of the moms that his name is Charlie. \u00a0He proudly calls and fans his feathers – it is beautiful!<\/p>\n

Swim teams from Athlone Park, Warner Beach and Scottburgh primary attend the opening and fun gala and we wait for the teams to settle down around the pool.<\/p>\n

Very excited learners at the school. \u00a0Monica is home schooled, so this is a new experience for her. \u00a0In the mean time her best friend arrives and she runs over to us to say hello. \u00a0She is a learner at Warner Beach Primary.<\/p>\n

\"PhysicalStart of the fun gala\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mrs. Champion, the physical education special educator, introduce us to Mr. Vorster, the acting principal. \u00a0He tells us that the school aimed to enclose the pool area and install heaters to ensure year-round swim training for the swimmers.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the quote to enclose and heat the pool was just too much. \u00a0The governing body’s decision included fixing leaking pipes, refinishing the fiberglass and replacing the pool pump.<\/p>\n

\"InvitedThe fun gala starts promptly and runs smoothly with swimmers really doing their utmost best. Monica and Mom has a special seat where we are entertained to some muffins served by the home education learners at the school. \u00a0It is delicious! \u00a0Royal treatment in every possible way.<\/p>\n

Monica’s 100 Individual Medley to inspire the school’s learners<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the fun\u00a0gala, Monica tells me that it is terrible for her to sit on the side watching swimming. \u00a0Mrs. Champion approach us and asks if Monica would like to swim for the learners. \u00a0Fortunately we always keep a swim bag with us (regardless of where we go) in the event that Monica is required to swim.<\/p>\n

We agree that Monica will swim her favorite event, the 100-meter medley as a demonstration to the school’s learners after the break before the relays.<\/p>\n