Swimmers from across the district gathered at the Narromine Aquatic Centre for the Macquarie Yabbie Swim Club’s first carnival on January 20.
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People from Bourke, Coolah, Coonamble, Dubbo, Dunedoo, Forbes, Nyngan, Parkes, Tullamore and Warren all made the trip for the carnival.
President of the Macquarie Yabbie Swim Club, Kerry Roberts said their first carnival was a great success.
“We had 193 swimmers from near and far, we even had several swimmers who were state and national competitors,” Ms Roberts said.
The Macquarie Yabbies Swim Club was formed in August 2018 as a way to bring families together and help children build on their swimming capabilities.
Since the club was formed it has now grown to over 100 registered swimmers.
“It came about though lots of interested swimming families wanting to really see kids evolve in a club environment and offer families the opportunities of being able to participate in club nights,” Ms Roberts said.
“At the same time offering opportunities for people to compete in regional and state carnivals.
“It’s just a great platform for those children to begin on.”
Ms Roberts said the club is a family friendly atmosphere, which helps children develop their water skills and confidence.
“It’s a really friendly family atmosphere and we have music playing, barbecues and we’ve got a fellow on the mic revving up everyone, so it’s a really fun atmosphere,” she said.
“At the same time kids can gradually see how they're improving each time, it just builds up their confidence and that’s what it’s all about.
“Being confident in the water is a great attribute to have for a child,” she said.
Ms Roberts said interested families can visit their Facebook site or Narromine Council, register and once you’re registered families are set to participate in the club’s fortnightly club nights.
“It’s the opportunity to be involved in a club and being registered with us gives them the opportunity to participate in other carnivals which is brilliant,” Ms Roberts said.
“We’re really lucky the western region swimming has been really supportive of the club setting up.
“We’ve had great support not only from the western area committee but also all our other regional clubs, so it’s great to see.”
Ms Roberts thanked the community for their support of the first carnival, including the Narromine USMC their major carnival sponsor, the Narromine Lions Club who looked after the barbecue, Lance McCabe Swim School, the Narromine Shire Council and many local businesses.
“We were incredibly pleased with the support from the local community and also surrounding swimming clubs and not to mention the fabulous swimmers,” Ms Roberts said.