Fun for Croftdene swimmers
THE Croftdene Swimming Club hosted their annual Family Fun Gala recently when Learn to Swim, intermediate, level 1 and level 2 swimmers gave the community a glimpse of their talent.
The guest of honour was the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Ravi Pillay, who is working closely with the club to see that it continues to grow to great heights.
Pillay warmed the hearts of many in the crowd when he said: “I am deeply honoured by the invitation to join you at this gala and to address you this morning. Occasions such as this are one of the most pleasurable aspects of my job. Croftdene has a long and proud history of organisation and activism. This community stood up to be counted during the dark days of apartheid.”
The guest speaker for the day was Elvis Moodley, a dedicated supporter of the club for the past 20 years.
The club was formed in 1972 as Crodolphin Swimming Club to move kids away from gangsterism. The name changed to Croftdene after the area name changed. Vice-chairperson of the club Raymond Moodley re-established it in 1985.
Last year, 15 swimmers from the club participated in the Kings Park championship. They were placed sixth overall, with Sana Khalil and Noresha Reddy falling short of national team lap times by seconds. Currently, there are about 70 swimmers who will undergo a series of trials in order to make the competitive team of 25.
Among other accomplishments, the club has produced seven municipal lifeguards, two navy personnel and nine swimmers who completed the Midmar Mile.