Head Above Water

The Aquatic Centre was a splashing hub of determination on Saturday 10 September as the pool filled with generations of Wenonians, their families and Wenona staff, swimming for up to 12 hours each to raise more than $8,000 for the Black Dog Institute.

In line with the maxim that a good mood is just a swim away, they carved the water from 7am to 7pm, while the fundraising dollars mounted.

The swimathon was the initiative of the Wenona Aquatic team and designed to highlight the scientifically proven benefits of exercise as an antidote to many common mental health challenges.

There were other mental health-boosting activities too, such as a visit from Wenona alumna and two-time water polo Olympian Hannah Buckling (2009). She led a workshop on mental fitness, including some of the techniques she uses as an athlete, to perform at her best. Yoga classes and meditation sessions provided even more zen, and there were relaxing colouring in activities for the younger visitors.

“Science has shown that exercise has the power to lift your mood and your energy, sharpen your memory, and help you sleep better at night,” says Head Swimming Coach Mr Michael Creighton. “The Aquatics team wanted to remind everyone that swimming is especially good. We also knew we wanted to support the Black Dog Institute, so it was a bonus to discover

that alumna Hannah Buckling is one of their ambassadors.”

The real instigator of the 12-Hr Mental Fitness Swim was swimming teacher Ms Cristina di Traglia, who has personal experience of the mind and body benefits of water. “When I was young, there was never an opportunity to talk or learn about mental fitness”, she says. “Now I have learned that low mental fitness does not discriminate. It’s not a sign of weakness but a problem most of us will face at some point in our lives. Over the past two years, I have developed a strong relationship with my mental health and found ways to keep it steady. Swimming is a big part of that. When we feel good about ourselves, we can better contribute to others and the community. Strong mental fitness is a gift to the world.”