Swimming club to mark 60th birthday

BENDIGO East Swimming Club will celebrate its 60th birthday at this Sunday’s carnival at the Lansell Street pool.Swimmers from all parts of Victoria will compete at the meet.The day will also be a reunion for many who swam or have been involved with East since it was formed in 1948.Like many sporting clubs, Bendigo East has grown significantly and endured many highs, and some tough times, too.Long-time treasurer and committee member, Betty Pysing said Sunday’s celebration would cap many hundreds of hours put in by swimmers, parents, club officials and volunteers over the club’s 60-year history.The swimming club was formed at the instigation of Alwyn Nelson on his return from World War II.“Alwyn met with the Bendigo East Progress Association and called for its support in establishing a swimming club,’’ Pysing said.“A meeting was called, but only three people turned up.“Alwyn was not deterred and called for another meeting which a few more people attended.’’On October 7, 1948, the Bendigo East Swimming Club was formed.“In the early days there were seven or eight members,’’ Pysing said.Since then the club has grown significantly to now include a senior and junior squad, and also three coaches - Tony Rodda, Val Campbell and Chris Geyer.Throughout its 60-year history, the club has had many parents, and others keen to be involved, take on various roles, whether it be on the committee, timekeeping, team managers, and much more.“Volunteers play such a big part at not just our club, but every sporting club,’’ said Pysing, a previous nominee for the Sports Focus Administrator of the Year, which is presented at The Advertiser Southern Cross TEN Sports Star of the Year.A champion swimmer for many summers, Tony Rodda now plays a key role as coach of East’s senior squad.Rodda said the swimmers were keen to perform well on what will be a big day in the club’s history.“This Sunday’s carnival is also the first on the Central Victoria Swimming program for this summer,’’ Rodda said.“Quite a few of our club members are aiming for December championships and also for state titles later in the season.’’The Victorian championships for 11-12 years will be in December, and the 13-18 years to early January, followed by the open later that month.“We look at Sunday’s carnival as being a tough hit-out in the lead-up to the championships,’’ Rodda said.A highlight of the summer for many of East’s squad will be the Victorian Country Championships on January 24 to 26 in Sale.For a long time, many swimmers have passed under the Bert Graham Memorial Pool gates for training at Bendigo East.It’s a tradition those involved at the club are determined will continue for many more years.