Inclusion Swimming Program introduced at Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre

Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre has introduced the Inclusion Swimming Program - a new program for disabled children - which offers children between the ages of five and 15 an opportunity to build their confidence and skills in the water, including safety practices, and the opportunity to learn and improve swimming strokes.

The Inclusion Swimming Program is offered in partnership between City of Hobart and TADTas and was developed following a submission from Hobart school student Ollie McDonald as a part of the 2021 Children’s Mayor Program for Children’s Week. Students from schools around Hobart were encouraged to submit proposals of what they would do if made Lord Mayor of Hobart for a day, with Ollie’s proposal receiving a High Commendation from the assessment panel.

TADTas Executive Officer Paul Duncombe advised “TADTas is pleased to be supporting the Inclusion Swimming Program being run by DKHAC in the July school holidays.

“After being approached by City of Hobart & Ollie, TADTas provided funding and advice surrounding Inclusive Swimming to allow this amazing safety initiative to be subsidised at a low cost.

“Due to the overall interest in this program TADTas alongside DKHAC wish to continue this program for additional participants in Term 3 School Holidays.”

McDonald wrote in her proposal “my idea will help disabled children overcome mental and physical barriers by giving them … a chance to expand their learning as well as … becoming more confident and safer in the water.”

The program was prepared by DKHAC’s Disability Swim Instructor, Louis Clarke-Hodge, with $1500 in financial support being provided by TADTas.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was a delight to see the involvement and interest of young people in local government and enthused “It’s fantastic to see the initiatives of our next generation through the Children’s Mayor Program, and it shows some of the great ideas that they have can actually be implemented in our City.

“After the success of last year’s Children’s Week event, we’re running the Children’s Mayor Program again in 2022. We’re really looking forward to seeing what ideas they come up with this year.”

The swimming program was booked out ahead of the school holidays and is operating this week.

Image courtesy Hobart City Council