Swimming babies are pool of joy...
KIDS HAVE A SPLASH-ING TIME
FOURTEEN little kids have been recognised for achieving towering results thanks to learning to swim.
The organisation Water Babies honoured the children at its official 2024 Water Babies Little Heroes’ Awards.
Inspirational stories of how swimming and spending time in water helps children emerged during the ceremony.
Water Babies, which is a baby and toddler swimming school, said the “heartwarming tales” proved how transformative it can be for babies and toddlers to swim and play in water.
A spokesperson said: “It aids them in overcoming health challenges, enhancing their development, and bringing joy to their lives and their families.
“Despite special needs and serious illnesses, many of our Water Babies Little Heroes demonstrated an astonishing amount of resilience and courage, defying the odds from their earliest years.”
Winners
Amongst the winners were Aurora Borza (3) from Dublin, who was nominated by her aunt Stefani Borza, who swims with her son Nico in the same class as the little girl.
Aurora and her mum Jessica Borza heard why she was chosen.
Despite being born with the rare Mosaic Triploid condition, Aurora defied expectations by walking and speaking.
Water Babies said: “Aurora is thriving in her lessons and has progressed from blowing bubbles to standing on the floating mat.
“Though her journey may be slower than others, she’s a very determined toddler.
“It’s this remarkable resilience that makes Aurora a true hero and deserving recipient of a Little Hero award.” Baby Theo Murphy (1) and his mum Tara Gill, were also praised at the ceremony.
Theo was born prematurely via emergency c-section and faced a myriad of complications and underwent life-saving surgery within days of birth.
Despite the rocky start, his parents enrolled him in the swimming classes because of his affinity for water.
Now thriving Theo used the swim positions to improve his head control and neck strength.
The spokesperson said: “Swimming not only strengthened his body but also facilitated social interactions, providing a gateway to normalcy amidst his complex journey.
Face
“Theo’s unwavering determination and progress in the face of adversity make him a deserving candidate for Water Babies Little Heroes Award.”
Seven-month-old Bodhi Murphy, from Co Clare, was the youngest
WHAT A WATER-FUL WORLD: (l-r) Rachel Nolan with parents Gavin and Catriona; Fiadh Maher with her mother Charlene and Water Babies’ George Dunne & Stefanie Preissner. Others in the line-up are Maisie Gallagher with parents Shauna & Tony and Water Babies’ Carol McNally and Philly McMahon hero who makes waves at Woodstock Ennis. His twin sister Willow was born sleeping.
Water Babies said of him: “Despite the heartbreaking loss, Bodhi emerged as a beacon of hope, defying the odds and captivating his family with his fighting spirit.
“Water Babies has been a lifeline for Bodhi and his family, offering solace and healing during times of grief.
“Through the joyous moments shared in the pool, Bodhi has not
YEAH, BUOY: Ronnie McNulty with mum Laura, dad Ronan and grandparents Alan & Dawn, Carol McNally and Stefanie Preissner only found immense happiness but has also brought his family together, providing a sense of purpose and excitement.”
Other winners were Dublin toddlers Maisie Gallagher, (10 months), Kabir Kaushal (4) and Ronnie McNulty (2); Rachel Nolan (2) from Kerry and from Cork Mary-Kate Sullivan (1), Jack Linehan (4) and Ryan Linehan (3).
From Kilkenny were children Alex Murphy (4) and Fiadh Maher (1); Rían Barry (2) from Waterford;
Adam Slomian (2) from Limerick and little 10-month-old SorchaRos Nic an Ri from Galway.
Carol McNally from Water Babies added: “Our little heroes’ journeys in the water are not just about physical growth, but also about emotional resilience and personal triumphs.”