Despite The Wins, Here is What Really Matters

The Ohio State Swim Club won both the 15 & over and 14 & under state championships this season. Despite that success, the story below summarizes what really matters in age group athletics. This is a great reminder for parents when their swimmers forget their goggles, lose their expensive swim suit or tear another cap.

One of my friends asked, "Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your child to swim?" Well, I have a confession to make: I don't pay for my child's swim lessons, her suits, goggles, towels, swim caps, etc.

So if I am not paying for swim, what am I paying for?

- I pay for those moments when my child becomes so tired she feels like quitting but doesn't…

- I pay for the opportunity that my child can have and will have to make life-long friendships…

- I pay for the chance that she may have amazing instructors that will teach her that Swim is not just about movement but about life…

- I pay for my child to learn to be disciplined…

- I pay for my child to learn to take care of her body…

- I pay for my child to learn to work with others and to be a proud, supportive, kind and respectful team member…

- I pay for my child to learn to deal with disappointment, when she doesn't get that time she hoped for, or added time in her best event, but still gets up and is determined to do her BEST next time…

- I pay for my child to learn to make and accomplish goals…

- I pay for my child to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight…

I could go on, but to be short, I don't pay for swim; I pay for the opportunities that swim provides my child to develop attributes that will serve her well throughout her life and give her the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen for many, many years, I think it is a great investment!