Historic Ipswich Grammar keen to create next pool of dreams
The Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club has been re-established in time for a new summer season and looking towards the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
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The Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club has been re-established at the historically important school in time for a new summer season.
With the help of former Woogaroo Swimming Club officials like Lisa Snell, the Ipswich Grammar School pool will again become a focal point for everyone involved, looking towards the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
“All committee members, like myself, believe in the vision to grow swimming in Ipswich and develop another strong club and attract swimmers from schools all around,’’ Snell said.
“We will work collaboratively with Woogaroo to do this.
“Our goal is to hopefully return Ipswich to its own region of Queensland swimming . . . hopefully get some of that Olympic momentum in the next decade.’’
Head coach and IGS Old Boy Tom Harris was delighted to see a club with strong traditions ready to again help regional swimmers in a safe and supportive environment.
“The club is looking forward to assisting swimmers from the local area develop their technique and racing skills,’’ Harris said.
“There will be a balance between competitive swimming and participation-based swimming on offer.’’
With 20 years coaching experience, Harris was encouraged by many fine performances during the short course season over winter.
Ipswich Grammar School assistant coach Jayden Allum, Year 12 IGS swimming captain Sebastien Carvolth and Isabel Joffe led the way.
Allum has been back in the water and racing after a 14-month break.
He came second in the 19 years and over 50m breaststroke and finished third in the 100m breaststroke.
Carvolth showed how he had found a successful balance between his studies and training.
He was the Brisbane Short Course Champion in the 17 years 100m and 200m breaststroke events.
He also placed in the 50m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.
Joffe, who attends Ipswich Junior Grammar School, is coached by Caroline Somers.
Joffe won a silver in 10 years freestyle and backstroke. She also collected a bronze in the 200m freestyle at the junior championships.
“I am sure in a couple of seasons Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club will be a force to be reckoned with at all meets the program participates in,’’ Harris said.
“Being involved in a swimming club is like being involved in a big family. Friendships will be formed for life through club swimming.’’
Ipswich Grammar School was founded in 1863 with swimming activities launched in 1980 with a heated 50m pool. That is when the first swimming club was established.
Ipswich Grammar is now home to one of two 50 metre Olympic size pools in the Ipswich region.
With many swimmers having their sights on the Brisbane Olympics in 11 years, the IGS club’s reopening provides more competitive opportunities in Ipswich.
“It is really exciting to be a part of the Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club restart,’’ club president and parent Nicholas Harty said.
“We are a club catering for all ages and all levels of swimming in a family friendly environment.
“Being linked to the Grammar school we have great facilities, an exceptional coaching team, experienced swimming parents and a supportive culture.
“We plan to grow our presence in the community and work hard to proudly represent Ipswich at swimming meets across the south east.’’
Club nights every Tuesday and junior school swimming carnivals are among regular activities being provided at Ipswich Grammar.
As swimmers age and develop, they are encouraged to compete in higher-level competitions.
Club manager and parent Sharon Carvolth backed the IGS vision to grow swimming in a safe, friendly and competitive environment.
“Swimming provides significant health benefits, but training is teaching my boys the benefits of discipline and self-motivation,’’ she said.
IGS club inquiries with head coach Tom Harris at: tharris@ipswichgrammar.com
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