Residents of Cluny Farm, based in Sun Valley, practise their strokes at Debbie Dolphin’s Swimming Academy in Noordwyk.
Candice Janse van Rensburg of the swim school said swimmers from around Gauteng participated in the provincial gala in the hope of participating in the Special Olympics National Games which will be held in Piermaritzburg in July.
“At the end of the provincial gala, Cluny Farm walked away with 25 gold, 28 silver, 20 bronze medals and eight fourth-place ribbons. Two Debbie Dolphins swimmers, Gaynor Murray and Adele Hendrichsen have been chosen to join a team of 12 swimmers from the province to go through to the nationals in July,” said Van Rensburg.
In October last year, the swim school hosted an eight-week course for caregivers from intellectually disabled homes throughout Gauteng. Cluny Farm residents swam as the caregivers learned the dos and don’ts of teaching intellectually disabled people how to swim.
Van Rensburg said, “The swim school’s coaches said it was an awesome privilege to work with Special Olympics training volunteer coaches for eight weeks, and arranging the galas for the province. It has been hard work but the results are showing.”
She extended a special thanks to the Cluny Farm swimmers. “They bring so much joy, we look forward to the outcome at the National Games. Good luck to you all.”
Cindy Barnard is also a swimming coach at the swim school, and she, along with Bonita Bondesio, life coach for Logwood Village in Mudersdrift, have been chosen as head and assistant coaches respectively to join the 12 swimmers at the National Games.
Debbie Dolphins’ Estelle Barnard and Van Rensburg would also assist with the training.
Van Rensburg said that if anyone is able to donate swim gear for the team or support them, they could contact her.
Details: Candice Janse van Rensburg on 082 628 2931 or debbiedolphins@gmail.com
