Why Swim?
My family and I moved here almost three years ago. Every new neighbor that we met said, “Make sure you join swim team.” I’m so glad that we joined! What an amazing experience. I can see why the swim team made an impact on everyone in the community.
The swim team means so much to our kids, the families and our community. Children are excited to get up every morning. They get outside for fresh air and exercise. They set goals and work hard during every practice. They improve their times every swim meet, sometimes by as much as 5-8 seconds. The kids are learning to love a sport that they can do for their entire lives. They are learning how to keep the pool and parks clean after practice and especially after swim meets, for they are not allowed in the pool until they have gone out and picked up any garbage found in daylight after the meets. The coaches are teaching the value of sportsmanship, leadership, compassion, and team spirit - all in a fun and friendly environment. They are building friendships in the neighborhood and within the community. Even the parents get to know each other, as we are an integral part of the success to the team as we volunteer, lead and run the organization. The parents are finding friends through swim team because we see that we share similar values in raising our kids. Our children go out and represent BHL in a positive light in other neighborhoods. They show good sportsmanship and good citizenship by respecting their facilities. We also get to show off our lovely pool house and great neighbors that come to the swim meet to show their support.
Swimming in itself has so many benefits. Swimming is an inclusive sport, it benefits children of all abilities, shapes and sizes. Swimming increases water safety. It lowers stress and anxiety, increases self-esteem and confidence. We are teaching life skills that will benefit children long term like goal setting, time management, work ethic, perseverance, grit and resilience. Swimming helps mental, emotional and social health. It even helps them sleep better. We are promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and teaching them how to be an active member of their community and building friendships.
-Danielle
