Florence’s Swimming Journey at SNAPS
SNAPS and Leanne have been extremely lucky to be finalists in this years aquatic excellence awards with the STA, in the categories for ‘not for profit organization of the year’ and ‘swimming teacher of the year’. To even be considered for this is such a privilege, to be given the opportunity to put the name of this charity, which Leanne adores so much, on such an important platform is truly remarkable. With this said, it has offered Leanne an opportunity to reflect on how she ended up in this position and what it is that she does at SNAPS that makes us worthy to be named. There are a whole host of reasons why SNAPS deserve to be involved in any and every excellence award there is. Leanne has shared her experience of one of our fantastic swimmers, to showcase so clearly why swimming at SNAPS is so important!
Leanne said “Florence took my hand and led me on her swimming journey in September 2021. One year prior, she had survived a very rare pediatric stroke and was adapting to a completely new way of life. The moment I saw her medical history alongside her age, I was in shock. How could someone so small survive something so big?! Then I met Florence and it all made sense. She is bold, brave, courageous, and resilient. She had no boundaries, her world in the water was limitless. This might be another day at work for me, but for Florence it was a world in which she could thrive, be the best and try her hand at just about anything. It was a safe space. Walking in that door each week with a smile on her face and a ‘can do’ attitude, she quickly progressed through the Rockhopper badges. She of course went beyond the badge skills though, and learned how to forward roll, surface dive and complete a kneeling dive – skills ordinarily reserved for swimmers who can swim all 4 strokes!
