Swim Coach
Wendy Martin being presented with her gold medal by Emma Whitworth. Photo Jan Hawkins

Swim coach Wendy Martin was swamped with love, appreciation, good wishes and gifts at her retirement party last Thursday.

Wendy has been a vital contributor to young Cromwellians’ swimming sports for the last 34 years, and has taken up many roles during that time. She has been swim coach, treasurer, president, coach organiser and in charge of the roster – all on a voluntary basis.

In 2000, she went out on her own and established Wendy Martin Swim School, but still kept her voluntary roles in the Cromwell Swim Club.

Wendy has taught a huge number of our local youngsters to swim, as evidenced in the large crowd of children who gathered with their families to show their gratitude.

Even at her send-off, Wendy was mindful of the young ones, getting her husband John to help her organise lots of games to keep them busy while the adults had afternoon tea and conversation.

Emma Whitworth, on behalf of the parents, presented Wendy with flowers, a huge hamper of goodies and nursery vouchers for use now that she may have time to garden. 

Emma also gave Wendy a specially-made and encased gold medal, saying that her great work deserved to be recognised by the community.

Wendy has really enjoyed her role as coach, saying, “The best thing has been seeing the wee ones improve and the looks on their faces when they succeed.”

She acknowledges that getting some children to confidently swim has been a challenge, “But they were also the most satisfying – seeing children who seemed like they were never going to swim suddenly taking off.”

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