RINCON, Ga. — With cheers echoing across the pool deck and sunlight bouncing off the water, more than 70 young swimmers from five YMCA branches gathered July 19 at the Effingham YMCA for a spirited day of competition, camaraderie and summer fun.
The all-day swim meet — one of six held each season — brought together athletes from Effingham County, Liberty County, Habersham, Island and West Chatham branches to test their progress and showcase their skills.
Now in its 15th year, the Effingham event is part of a larger YMCA tradition of encouraging youth development and water safety through competitive swimming. Races included freestyle relays, medley relays and individual medleys, with swimmers rotating between competition, recovery and reconnecting with family and friends.
“It’s very rewarding and heartwarming to see such young swimmers pushing themselves, getting stronger, getting faster,” said Effingham head coach Domenic Harrison. “They’re very excited, very happy — they just want to come up to you and tell you how much fun they had.”
The meet opened with a rendition of the national anthem by praise and worship leader Allen Cooke. As families relaxed under tents and umbrellas, swimmers sat shaded under a large blue umbrella, waiting to be called for their events. Staff led participants to the bullpen in groups, often linking hands in “human chains” to keep younger swimmers together.
Throughout the day, lifeguards watched over both the main and kiddie pools while volunteers handed out fruit, granola bars and water. Paddles Coffee & Café served up refreshments from a mobile trailer, and the Chick-fil-A cow made a surprise visit, posing for photos and dancing poolside.
Effingham swim director Regina Clontz said the meet is about more than winning.
“We encourage our parents to save timecards from each competition so that the kids can track their progress as the season goes on,” she said. “Swimming is for everyone, and we will help anyone regardless of their inability to pay.”
Assistant coach Emma Jenkins, who joined the staff in June, said she strives to instill not only technique but also good sportsmanship.
“We try to encourage cheering your teammates on — and cheering the other teams on too,” she said.
Ribbons are awarded a few days after each meet, with points tallied across the season. The championship meet will take place Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Islands YMCA branch. The Effingham Stingrays, known for their strong performances in recent years, will look to add another title to their streak.
