Mandurah’s Manta Rays Swim Team for disabled children will return to the water in February as they hit the pool for a big year of swimming in 2018.
After capping off a successful 2017 season at their Christmas party last month, the Manta Rays are eager to get back to action in a few weeks.
The group will kick off their new year on February 7 and will swim hourly sessions once a week every Wednesday from 3.30pm.
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Manta Rays coordinator Alice D'monte said the sessions not only gave children with disabilities fitness and essential survival skills in the water, but also provided them with a sense of condifence and self esteem.
“Fitness is a big part of it – a lot of these kids wouldn’t have another avenue to exercise or get fit if it wasn’t for this team.
“They also learn a lot of the basic survival skills everyone needs when they enter the water.
“I think the biggest part of it is being involved in a team though, and building a lot of confidence through belonging to the group.”
The Manta Rays cater for children living with both intellectual and physical disabilities.
Each swimmer is given their own specialised program to follow and if needed is coached with one-on-one attention.
Swimmers deemed ready to participate in competition’s can represent the team at the WA Disabled Swimming Association championships annually.
For more information on the Manta Rays or to register a child, call coordinator Alice D’monte on 0437 561 336.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
