In The Swim Of Things At Lara
It’s hard to go past the Lara Swimming Club’s All Abilities Carnival for sportsmanship of the purest and best kind.
Kids at the tail end or the middle of the races – 50 and 25-metre freestyle and kickboard events – are cheered to the finish line as loudly and excitedly as the front-runners.
And why not? One look shows they’re working as hard as anyone in the events. And enjoying it as much too.
Some 400 swimmers and the families and friends packed the Lara Swimming Pool for the 2020 carnival, a carnival that’s been running since the pool opened back in the early 1960s.
Club president, teacher Scott Thompson, is excited about the event.
“People have come from all over Geelong and from Melbourne, too,” he says.
“This is all under Swimming Victoria. We post the results online and people are watching them all over Victoria.”
Parents line the pool, checking times, marshalling swimmers, limbering up their young charges – keeping the all-important a la carte cakes, slices and hedgehogs on hand.
This year’s carnival saw 100 competitors, most taking part in three events. The winner’s podium was in regular use, medals awarded in a steady stream throughout the day.
Villawood’s Andrew Desa was on hand to congratulate the club’s young swimmers, but president Scott was quick to stress they’re not all juniors.
“We have members from four to 80,” he beamed.
Which just goes to show, you’re never too young to get out amongst it.
