17 August 2021
We catch up with President of the Blacktown City Swim Club, Richard Galea
Back in 2017 Richard Galea won the Philips Community Sports Dad of the Year award. He was nominated by fellow swim parent Karen Smith who was in awe of Richards contributions. “Without complaint Richard has rebuilt Blacktown City Swimming Club. It is once again one of the biggest clubs in the district. He’s hired coaches, fundraised, done the books and looked after all the finances. Many, many hours of hard volunteer work”. said Karen.
At the time Richard went onto say “I’m very grateful that members of my club felt strong enough that my contribution deserved nomination. Seeing the kids smiling and having fun is the biggest reward for any volunteer.”
In the 4 years since there have been lots of changes as the Club continues to grow, including fitting new members into the swimming program and finding more lane space. But recently these challenges have been overshadowed by the global pandemic and the issues around that in Community Sport.
QAre you still involved with the Blacktown City Swimming Club and the local sports community - how has the Club been going?
AYes I am still the President of Blacktown City Swim Club. Like many Community Sports Clubs it has been hard work over the past 12 months with Covid, lockdowns, Covid Plans, restructuring to meet Public Health Orders, etc but we keep bouncing back thanks to the hard work of our Committee and support from the local Community.
QAre there any positive stories coming out from the Club and local community?
AEarlier this year the Club finished 12th at NSW Junior State Championships out of more than 150 Clubs that participated. We had a small but successful team with two members winning State titles and many top ten finishes. We are working on a new and exciting partnership that will ensure the future of the Club
Seeing the kids smiling and having fun is the biggest reward for any volunteer. When you see someone as young as 3 jumping in and having a go to swim 12m is all the motivation you need.
Richard Galea
on what motivates him
QHow are the kids and the family coping with life at the moment with lockdowns and uncertainty. Are you able to open?
AUnfortunately, we are in lockdown and no training since 26th June. So when we do go back into the pool it will be about rebuilding the kids fitness. Our Head Coach has been giving the kids challenges via TeamApp together with nutrition guidance. The kids are all keen to return to the pool quickly but we need to be patient.
My Dad gets up 5 days a week at 4am to drive me to training to the pool or gym, he then goes to work all day and is then back again at our Swimming Club every night and weekend helping run the BCSC Club or Volunteering each weekend running Carnivals . He is a Legend.
Matthew Galea
about his dad when he won the award
Lets hope the Blacktown City Swimming Club and all Community Sports Clubs are back to normal soon…
Nominate your favourite Community Sports Dad of the Year now!
Nominations