Swimming Carnival fun for students of all abilities

On March 30, 2023, 85 primary school students from five different schools had a splashing good time at Northcott’s Junior Swimming Carnival held at Ryde Aquatic Centre. Every year, we host a swimming carnival to give children with disability a chance to participate with other children with similar abilities.

The students, teachers and our staff volunteers were in great spirits on the day. The kids participated in a variety of swimming races such as freestyle, backstroke and noodle races, as well as a rubber duck scavenger for all at the end. The kids also got to meet new people and have fun while splashing around in the water.

A yearly event 

Winne’s son Alexander goes to Jasper Road Public School. They have been taking part in Northcott’s Swimming Carnival for the past three years.

Winnie says, “We expect this event every year. We want him to have fun, be around other kids and meet kids from other schools. It’s not about racing. It’s more about enjoying everyone’s company and enjoying himself.”

Everyone had loads of fun on the day. Paul, a teacher from Jordan Springs Public School says, “With the music pumping and the dancing shark mascot making the rounds, students could relax before getting into the real fun of it which is swimming.”

“The kids’ smiles speak to the importance of the event. It’s all they talk about on the bus and for weeks afterwards is how much fun they had” adds Paul.

Volunteering at the carnival 

JJ from Baresque, one of Northcott’s supporters says he was looking forward to volunteering for the carnival. He says, “Seeing the kids’ excitement when they came out of the pool and especially when they make a place was incredibly meaningful.”

Peter, one of our staff volunteers agrees that having fun is the most important part of the carnival. “Anyone can take part and get involved. It doesn’t matter what stroke the kids are doing. For one of the races, a child jumped on my back as we crossed the pool, and I called it the koala stroke.”

Staff volunteer Cass, who manned the photo booth (with silly props) we had on site also shared, “My favourite part of the day apart from seeing all the smiles on the kids’ faces was seeing them dance with the shark.”

Well done to all the kids who gave swimming a go and a huge thank you to the North Ryde RSL Community Club and all the volunteers who made this fun and inclusive event possible.