Ron Spriggs, Swimming Coach and Living Legend.

I want to introduce a Swimming Coach who taught me most of what I know about swimming in water and teaching/coaching others. Ron Spriggs (Spriggsy) employed me on the pool deck of the Wingham Memorial Swimming Pool when I was 14. That was 36 years ago. He had and still has the ‘gift of the gab’, always called a ‘spade a spade’ and delighted in kids achievements, in and out of the pool. He taught me how to communicate with kids in a manner which allows me to get them to do what is needed, especially around changing their stroke. Spriggsy was a swimming coach with a difference he impressed upon me that you can never know what a child can do in the water and that they should not be pigeon-holed. One may be a natural breaststroker and the other a butter-flyer……just ask them to have a go and see what happens.

Spriggsy firmly believes “that swimming is not an end, but a means to an end. It helps prepare children and young people for future challenges in life.”

Spriggsy had a heart transplant 5 years ago. Admittedly he struggled during the recovery months and is continually monitored and/or travelling to Sydney for check-ups. He is back swimming himself and at last count was happily doing 1km most days.

He recently entered the Transplant Games. I never knew that such an event was held. This year it was in Sydney. Spriggsy had said that all sorts of transplant recipients can enter and there are certain events for the various recipients. I have been in awe of these people since learning about the Transplant Games.

If you have a lazy few minutes look the event up. You will be inspired and as I have been. Having a friend with a new heart and being privy to only some of his trials and tribulations gives me a better appreciation of the ease with which I go through life.

Check out the local hero’s in the Transplant Games.