by Leslie Shroyer
As they took their final strokes of the season, members of the Simon Family JCC’s Swordfish Swim Team were all smiles and high fives on the last evening in July.
The fifth and final swim meet for participants, ages 5 through 18, took place at the JCC. Team mates lightly competed against each other. The evening was about a good workout, saying goodbye to friends and feeling good about their many accomplishments over a season that began in late May.
“Swimming on the team gives me a chance to do this sport,” says rising seventh grader Rachael Stromberg, who plays basketball in the winter at school, the same season swimming is offered. Free-styling with a kick that would put some high school swimmers to shame, she modestly adds, “This team is laid back and fun. We’re all here to improve our swimming skills and work hard, but it is summer time.”
Her mother, Robin Stromberg, is equally enthusiastic. “Rachael likes the physical activity, especially in the morning. It’s a great way to start her day. The team has been a great self-esteem boost and she’s even surprised herself and us with her speed.”
All the Kimener kids swim for the Swordfish team. Morgan, the youngest, didn’t quite make the minimum age requirement last year, and at age six, has happily joined her three older siblings in the pool. “It’s great exercise, and something that the whole family can do together,” says Kristie Kimener, the proud mother of four accomplished Swordfish. “My kids enjoy making new friends, and they have learned to set and beat personal goals. We just love our summers here.”
All the Swordfish swimmers were champions, with Tom Edwards, sports and recreation director, handing out medals and ribbons to all as the season ended with a pizza dinner.
The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.