Press Release

BEGINNING OF NEW ERA FOR BAY OF ISLANDS SWIMMING CLUB

The Bay of Islands Swimming Club (BOI) has today announced the appointment of a new coach, Alex Bennett, heralding a new era for the forty-year-old club that draws swimming students from all over the district.

Alex has been involved in competitive swimming since he was 6 years old and has been coaching for the past 25 years. He currently holds a number of New Zealand age group titles and brings with him a great deal of international experience both as a coach and swimmer.

“I have a coaching philosophy that I’m only as good as the worst swimmer in my group, which means I have no favourites and have no one left behind,” says Alex. “The Bay of Islands Swimming Club has a varied level of swimmers so I’m really looking forward to the challenge of helping everyone, whatever their level, to do their best swimming yet!”

Originally from the Republic of Crimea, Alex has been a resident of New Zealand since 2000. He has been coaching successfully in Wellington for the past 10 years and believes passionately in teamwork.

President of BOI Swimming Club, Beth Finer said: “Alex came to the Bay and at his own expense undertook 3 days of swimming sessions with our kids before we had to commit. All of us – including parents and committee members - were impressed with his knowledge, dedication and passion. We feel fortunate that Alex is coming and we have no doubt he will be able to help our swimmers achieve their goals.”

Alex will work across all levels including competitive, learn to swim entry level development and competitive standard swimmers.

Club secretary Sian Williams added: “Many children make a big investment in terms of time and energy to attend swimming sessions at Kawakawa pool. Senior swimmers usually swim 5 to 8 sessions a week, each lasting 90 minutes, so it’s a big commitment, and for them, in particular, having a coach of Alex’s calibre will be a huge boost.”

“With winter sport wrapping up, this is a perfect time to think about joining (or re-joining) the swimming club, there are currently spaces available for new swimmers in both our learn-to-swim programme and our development squad,” said Club President Beth Finer.

For more information contact: Beth on 021 023 47064