Why this community club is a winner

NewsLocal cheered on the Castle Hill RSL Dolphins at their race night on Friday.

Dolphins Lucy Fuccenecco, Sam Hohn, Sophie Young, Jordan Meddings and Zoe McIntosh refuelling at Friday night’s swim meet. Pictures: Timothy Clapin

• Emily proves a hit
• Defence skills pay off for Bulls

NewsLocal cheered on the Castle Hill RSL Dolphins at their race night on Friday and saw just what it meant to be part of the strong, community-based club.

The atmosphere at the Dolphins’ pool at C2K Fitness and Aquatic Centre was electric as swimmers competed in the last race for the summer season while supporters cheered them on from the sidelines.

NewsLocal was on hand to fuel hungry swimmers with oranges and a sausage sizzle, and coffee for the parents.

Swimmers dive in at the meet on Friday night.

The Dolphins, one of The Hills’ many sporting clubs, have excelled in state and national tournaments over the years and fielded many Local Sports Stars nominees.

Integral to the club’s success has been the support of their members, parents and community as well as the Castle Hill RSL, which gave a $26,500 club grant this year as well as use of its facilities and assistance with fundraising.

“We’re really passionate as a club about the contribution and the importance of kids being active,” the RSL’s Melanie Morson said.

Mrs Morson said one of the strong aspects of the Dolphins - which has more than 200 members - was the support from parents.

Alex, 7, and Nate Whitfield, 6, of Glenhaven refuel with a barbecue served by Quinn Huynh and Graham Rowe.

“It’s a big commitment not just for the kids but for the parents as well,” she said.

One of those parents, Matt Young, was watching his two daughters Sophie and Mia compete on Friday night.

Mr Young, of Castle Hill, said the club has an “awesome parent participation”.

“And it’s a really good club, everyone gets in and does what they have to do,” he said.

Fun, family and friends were the themes at Friday’s swim meet.

Dolphins captain Maddie Emmett, from Baulkham Hills, has swam with the club for 11 years and said she had made “lifelong friends”.

“I like that we’re all like a team, we all support each other, we’re always there for each other,” she said.

Dolphins president Shane Hurley said the Dolphins was a “family-orientated, competitive swimming club”.

“While they’re racing against each other in the pool they’re all best friends out of the pool,” he said.

For information about the Local Sports Star program or to nominate someone, visit localsportsstars.com.au