NORWOOD SWIMMING CLUB

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (15:52): With less than three weeks to go before the commencement of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, it is fitting that I talk about the Norwood Swimming Club in my electorate which is sending Olympians to both. The Norwood Swimming club was founded in 1972 and was known as the Norwood Amateur Swimming Club until the name was changed in 1993. The club is based at the State Swim Norwood Pool in Beulah Park and its philosophy is simple: to enable young people to enjoy swimming not only as a competitive sport but as a lifetime means of keeping fit. In this way, it not only promotes the concepts of self-improvement and empowerment but also strives to stem the rising tendency of young people to assume more sedentary lifestyles.

The areas of focus of the club have remained unchanged for many years now. They are: competitions and incentive programs; education of coaches, officials, volunteers and swimmers; disabled support in promoting involvement and achievement; development programs in improving facilities and services; and community responsibility in promoting a healthy, active lifestyle to schools and the wider community. The club's aims and philosophies have been deservedly reflected by the fact that it can now boast a membership of over 120 swimmers and a staggering amount of success.

Last year, the Norwood Swimming Club notched up its best 12 months ever and cemented its position as the most successful swimming club in South Australia, winning the South Australian short course, long course and teams state championships. The awards do not end on the local stage. At the 2008 Australian age swimming championships, the Norwood Swimming Club ranked third out of 190 swimming clubs—the best result ever achieved by a swimming club in this state. At the all important Olympic trials, Norwood ranked second out of 120 swimming clubs and managed to secure spots for three Olympians.

After scoring his own personal best and the 14^th fastest time in history in the 100 metres backstroke, Hayden Stoeckel is off to Beijing to represent Australia in the 100 metres and 200 metres backstroke. The legendary Paralympian, Matt Cowdrey, grabbed his usual swag of world records and is on the plane to add to his already impressive gold medal tally; and he will be joined by his fellow competitor, Shelley Rogers.

Despite these high profile results, it is also fantastic to note that there were many finalists and semi-finalists at the trials represented by the Norwood Swimming Club and that huge personal best times were registered across the entire pool. All fantastic results and I look forward immensely to watching Hayden, Matthew and Shelley compete. I have enjoyed a long association with the Norwood Swimming Club and have visited it on many occasions.

Just a few weeks ago I went down there at night to present them with a cheque from the Active Club Grant program to the tune of $8,000. The club has been a frequent recipient of sporting grants from the Rann government and I am delighted that we continue to recognise the importance of investing in active and healthy lifestyles. After the cheque presentation I stayed around to watch the top squad swimmers train. As always, I was impressed by their talent and the professionalism of the staff.

To this end, I must give credit and thanks to Peter Bishop, the Norwood head swimming coach, for his dedication and commitment to the Norwood squad as well as being the wind beneath Matt Cowdrey's wings. Well done. To the president of the club, Neville Ash, and the secretary, Mark Brewerton, and to all the members congratulations on your success. A special acknowledgement goes to all those parents who selflessly accompany their children to swimming pools at 4 or 5am when most of us are still comfortably ensconced in our warm beds, for without their dedication and sacrifice the aspirations of their children would never be realised.