As a triathlete, pool swims conjure up thoughts of drills, sets, and getting extra laps in to be ready for a race. This morning's swim was a completely different experience. Membership director, Denise Ford, and I volunteered with our TAG beneficiary, KEEN, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now, for their monthly KEENquatics program. We arrived at the North Beach pool for our KEEN volunteer coach orientation at 10:30 this morning. Shortly thereafter, kids and parents started piling onto the pool deck.
The three lane, warm lap pool was suddenly transformed into the giant playground that is known as KEENquatics. Kids were immediately in the water, splashing around, playing basketball, floating on noodles, or hesitantly dipping their toes in anxiously looking back at their parents before entering the water.
I spent my time "coaching" a little guy named Andrew. Andrew is nonverbal, which means he doesn't speak, and only says occasional words. He also had never left the steps of the pool before, and tried to run from the water every time his mom and I tried to coax him in. Eventually, holding both of my hands, Andrew took one step in, then two, then three, and before we knew it, he was waist-deep in the water. His mom's eyes lit up, and she walked over to the bench to observe her son move around freely in the water for the first time! I spent one entire hour holding Andrew's hands, guiding him through the pool, jumping, gliding, and splashing! It was such an incredible feeling to be a part of this little guy's milestone.
Denise spent her time "coaching" a little girl named Joyce. Joyce obviously loved the water and came right in as soon as she arrived! However, she had never put her head underwater until today. Denise got her blowing bubbles and by the end of the session, she was diving for rings! Joyce looked like she was having the time of her life (and so did Denise)!
We had a morning in the pool like no other. I'm looking forward to the next time I get to swim, splash, and play with the great kiddos of KEEN. KEEN needs many more volunteers for their KEENquatics program. It's once a month, and requires only a bathing suit and willingness to play and splash around with a group of great kids for an hour! I hope others get to have the same incredible experience that Denise and I had today. It was a pool swim that I won't soon forget!
Chris
GGTC Secretary
Experience it for yourself! You can join us in the pool and see how your support not only impacts the athletes but how good it will make you feel too! Please consider giving a gift to KEEN to Keep these Kiddos Swimming!
