Dedication earns Thomas the Kayla MacDonald Shield
Thomas MacIntyre was the toast of Oban Lifesaving Club last Tuesday night when he was presented with the Kayla MacDonald Memorial Shield, writes Fiona Scott.
A popular member of the club, eight-year-old Kayla, from Dunbeg, died following a tragic accident in a forest near Beinn Lora in July 2017.
Bequethed by Kayla’s family in 2018, the shield is presented annually to a member of the club who has improved not just in swimming but has shown advancement in behaviour, attitude and general life skills – traits perhaps that Thomas, 12, has learned from his big brother who is none other than local golf ace Bob MacIntyre.
A speechless Thomas, who has proved himself worthy in all criteria, accepted the trophy from Kayla’s brothers Ruairidh, eight, and fouryear-old Ronnie.
Gordon McNab, one of the volunteer teachers at the club, said that Thomas was a worthy recipient of the honour.
‘Thomas now helps at the club and has matured so much over the past year,’ he added.
As well as the presentation of Kayla’s Shield, badges and medals were presented to swimmers for their efforts while proud parents watched.
‘The club is life-changing in so many ways,’ added Gordon. ‘And for that I would like to thank the dedicated team of teachers and committee members. The club is inspirational.’ Oban Lifesavers is a community club where swimming and lifesaving skills are taught to more than 100 children, providing them with skills to keep them safe in and around the water.
Pupils become members at the age of five and progress from the small pool, where they learn to swim, to Rookie Lifesaving as they become more proficient.