You are probably aware from a previous post that Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, Georgia has announced it will close the pool which has been the home of AAAA swim team (aka Quad A/Americus Blue Tide). The supporters of this swim team, community member, alumni, etc. are trying desperately to get GSW to change its plans. You can help us in two ways.
Find the thread titled, “Don’t Let This Swim Team Drown” and follow one of the links and write a short note to GSW asking them to keep the pool open. It doesn’t matter where you are from, just let the powers that be know how important aquatics are.
I would also like everyone who has a child/teen on a swim team, or who was on a swim team as a child/teen, to answer these questions.
In addition to the physical benefits (strengthening, endurance, coordination) how does being on a swim team benefit a child/teen?
And, how does a children’s/teen’s swim team benefit the community?
Thanks in advance,
Lainey
Parents
Former Member
Can you add in other benefits besides the age group team? Is the pool used by the Red Cross to conduct swimming lessons? Do the local seniors (Masters?) use the pool for fitness or rehab? Us Silver Panthers have a strong political presence. Bring down the voice of AARP.
We worked over several years to get a grant from the state to build an aquatics park including a competitive lap pool. Its not a sure thing yet - we need to match several hundred thousand dollar before the grant activates.
AquaGeek does have a good point - You will only have a chance if you can show true fiscal benefit to, in this case, the university. Times are tough and money is tight. Unfortunately, the university appears to have already decided to close the pool. The battle will be much more difficult. My guess would be that you will need to show that the continued operation of the pool is a profit maker for the university.
Can you add in other benefits besides the age group team? Is the pool used by the Red Cross to conduct swimming lessons? Do the local seniors (Masters?) use the pool for fitness or rehab? Us Silver Panthers have a strong political presence. Bring down the voice of AARP.
We worked over several years to get a grant from the state to build an aquatics park including a competitive lap pool. Its not a sure thing yet - we need to match several hundred thousand dollar before the grant activates.
AquaGeek does have a good point - You will only have a chance if you can show true fiscal benefit to, in this case, the university. Times are tough and money is tight. Unfortunately, the university appears to have already decided to close the pool. The battle will be much more difficult. My guess would be that you will need to show that the continued operation of the pool is a profit maker for the university.
