Bridgetown Swimming Club
League:
Swimming WA Sanctioned Competition
State / Area:
WA / Regional
Funding Requested
$1500
Voting has now finished.
Recipients will be announced on 6th June 2016.
About Bridgetown Swimming Club
Bridgetown Swimming Club have been in operation for over 20 years. We are a small, grassroots regional club, consisting of junior swimmers for the Blackwood Valley region. Whilst situated in Bridgetown, our members, past and current come from Manjimup, Nannup and Balingup as well as Bridgetown. At the end of the 2013 summer season the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes commenced construction of a new pool for our town, and the club was without a local venue for almost 18 months. During this time our numbers dwindled to the small handful of dedicated swimmers and parents who were willing to travel to Manjimup up to three times a week for training. With the recent reopening of our terrific new local facility, the small but enthusiastic group of parents and coaching staff are committed to raising out member numbers to 50+ at the end of the summer 16/17 season. Additional funds are crucial!
Value to the Community
Bridgetown is classified as a low socio-economic community. The swimming club provides an affordable, accessible club that allows children to be involved in physical activity, social interaction, volunteering, competition and skill building. Our Club's fees are very low compared to many other sporting clubs in the district (only $40 per year currently) and the Club provided parents on low income, the option of a payment plan if they cannot afford up-front fees. Our club is active in a variety of competitions through out the region and our swimmers travel several times a year to Perth for competition opportunities. This brings a level of focus on our community & showcases the abilities and opportunities that are available in our town. We have a strong volunteer contribution with all coaching and administration staff giving of their time and expertise freely. This brings a sense of belonging, contributing and bonding.
Why the funds are needed
The new Committee have plans to replace the ageing equipment that we own (including but not restricted to fins, kick boards, pull-bouys, timing equipment, paddles) and feel that new gear and expanded opportunities will enhance the attractiveness of the club to new members. In addition to this, we would like to offer new and existing members a subsidised camp opportunity to start the 2016/17 season, in view of reaching our goal of increasing membership to 50+ swimmers. Additional funds would allow us to advertise these events and new equipment. We would like to offer existing and new coaches subsidised opportunity to extend their skills at workshops and clinics in the metropolitan area, to bring expertise back to our swimmers.
Links
As the newly appointed Secretary I am looking forward to establishing a new website for the Bridgetown Swimming Club. As a parent group, we have an active Facebook community although to date, nothing formalised. The Facebook site would develop in conjunction with the new website.
Be sure to Like our Facebook page for news and updates.