5 minute read
Aquatics: Swim Team
JUST KEEP SWIMMING
Our Swim Team provides youth the perfect opportunity to develop social skills, boost cognitive benefits, and enhance physical health
Many studies have revealed that swim training can increase a young person's ability to concentrate and learn at a faster rate. This type of physical training stimulates the mind for up to three hours, which can help to improve exam performance. A report, written by Professor Ian Cumming and sport, health, and exercise science academic Karl New titled, “Are Adolescent Competitive Swimmers Cleverer?”, is the first major academic review of the benefits of swimming on the educational achievements of young people. The report details the positive impact of regular aerobic exercise on scholastic performance. Their findings show that short and long-term effects of regular training increase the number of brain cells and connections between them. This leads to improved attention and accuracy in completing tasks and longer physical and psychological benefits, including management of long-term conditions such as ADHD, obesity, and dementia. Although it has been known for some time that exercise has a positive impact on the brain, competitive swimming is unique in that it delivers the optimal amount and frequency
- david yap, manta sting rays
Aquatics: Swim Team
of exercise to deliver cognitive benefits. Swimming on a team also provides the psychological components of being with a team, which is also incredibly positive for young people. During training swimmers are always thinking about what they are doing and trying to improve their technique, which means they are using both their brain as well as their muscles, effectively stimulating all areas of the body. Recently, an educator brought to our instructors attention that swimmers at his school were hard-working and performed highly academically. While their comments were anecdotal, it is supported by empirical evidence with Professor Cumming's report providing evidence about the additional benefits of swimming for our competitive swimmers. Competitive swimming clubs, like other sports clubs, can offer an environment where young people can learn about the good techniques for success in life such as goal setting, stress management and social interaction. Although the article focuses on competitive swimming, many of the benefits play out in recreational swimming and it provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how team sport, and swimming, can improve individual's health, and wellness.
KEATON KURUCZ 10 YEARS OLD
The Arbutus Club Swim Team (Eagle Rays)
Why do you choose to take part in swimming and to be a member of the Swim Team? My mom signed me up because she wanted something to tire me out and she thought it was an important life skill to have. I also get to swim with my friend Caleb.
How does the Swim Team and swimming activities benefit your school's academic success? The swim team has taught me how important practice is. Practicing has helped me become a faster swimmer.
Describe a time when you used your swimming skills or behaviours to your benefit in school? Swimming laps isn't always the most exciting activity but I always feel great when I'm done with all my laps. I think it can be the same for school, some projects are not as interesting, but you still have to get your work done and it feels great when I get a good grade.
FATHER’S DAY CHEF TO GO JUNE 19
Special for Dad, a ready to eat, hot dinner. Pick up on Father's Day. Serves 4 or order 2.
DAVID YAP 15 YEARS OLD
The Arbutus Club Swim Team (Manta Sting Rays)
Why do you choose to take part in swimming and to be a member of the Swim Team? I joined the swim team to stay fit and build my endurance. It helps me clear my mind, rid my stress and be ready for the next school day. As well, my dad and older brother were on The Arbutus Club Swim Team back in the day. Currently, my sister and I are on the swim team.
How does the Swim Team and swimming activities benefit your school's academic success? After the Swim Team, I can focus and study longer. Swimming has taught me that even though a skill or school subject matter is difficult, with determination and hard work, I have the confidence that I can learn and master the subject. I have come a long way from crying during my swim lessons when I was 5 years old to being able to swim butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
Describe a time when you used your swimming skills or behaviours to your benefit in school I am in the Prince of Wales TREK outdoor education program, and we go on many field days. Some of these events involve being a strong swimmer. An example of when I used my swimming skills was when I went canoeing with my class. We had to practice capsizing and getting back into the canoe. If I were not on The Arbutus Club Swim Team, I would not have had the confidence to purposely capsize a boat and flip it right side while treading water. ♦
Aquatics: Swim Team
Swim Team Head Coach eduardo finklestein
Eduardo has coached all levels of swimmers from novice to world ranked.
He has coached more than 25 Olympians in swimming, open water, and triathlon events.
Served as a National Team Coach in Brazil, Singapore, and Israel.
He has received the Brazilian coaching award and Coach of the Year in Israel.
For more information about the Swim Team please contact Swim Team Head Coach, Eduardo Finklestein at SwimCoach@arbutusclub.com
