2016 Aquatic Academy Awards
The Aquatic Academy recently held its annual Award ceremony. The Academy has put the American Swim Coaches lessons and teachings into practice which has resulted in excellent improvements and results. ESP placed 12th at the Gauteng Level 2 Regionals with a small team of 12 swimmers behind very large clubs that enjoy multiple coaches and squad groups around the provinces. The ESP team was too small to compete in relays – yet they managed to hang in the top placings. 70 clubs took part.
Savannah Mitchell and Kyle Mckenzie won the top awards for overall Best Female and Best Male swimmers. Along with Murray Copeland they were selected to be part of the Eastern’s Strategic Development Squad. . Kyle excelled at Level 2 Regionals achieving three Level 3 times, swimming 11 finals and winning 5 medals. Murray qualified for 7 finals.
Kerrin Burgess was the recipient of the Mary-Lee Hinton award, for the swimmer that has persevered against adversity to succeed. She achieved two Level 2 times and 2 medals (gold and silver) at the Eastern Level 1 Regionals.
Best Senior Male was awarded to Jonathan Smith with Murray Copeland receiving the Best Junior Male. Colette Fourie won the Best Senior Female and Caitlin Stott the Best junior. Our Most improved awards went to Ciaran Le Goff and Kerri lyn Claase.
Zero to Hero/ Heroine awards – Jody Copeland and Chane Van Rooyen
Most Improved new league swimmer – Zoe Stock
Shooting Stars awarded to Mikayla Pon and Tambai Dutiro.
Cerificates wee awarded to all swimmers that have represented the Aquatic Academy (ESP) at all Regional events, Eastern Gauteng Championships and provincial/ district selections.
The Academy families are now working as a team. Parents understand the vital role they play. to achieve greater successes for the swimmers. Teamwork – swimmers, parents, and coaches. Silver and gold medals were awarded to parents that have volunteered more than their fair share of time to assist with the running and staging of all aspects of competitive swimming. The medals are engraved with V.I.Parent.
