IT is easy to find an excuse when things aren’t going your way.
Feeling under the weather, lacking in fitness, don’t have the time to put in the work – it’s much simpler to blame something or someone else.
But try saying that to the proud members of the Colchester Phoenix Amateur Swimming Club.
Its members, all of whom have additional needs, are celebrating 30 years of not letting adversity get in the way.
The club, based at Leisure World in Colchester, was founded by Maggie Hargreaves who lost her leg in an accident.
The inspirational founder died in early 2021 but through supporting scores of children over the years, she left an incredible legacy.
Championing the swimmers’ ability and not their disability has created a haven for those wanting to make a splash.
The club has reared some impressive talents too, with several members going on to become Paralympians.
Notable alumni include Ellie Challis, from Clacton, who became Paralympics GB's youngest medallist at Tokyo 2020.
Blind swimmer Wali Noori also won a silver medal in swimming and four gold medals in running at the Invictus Games.
Theresa Higgins, a former mayor of Colchester who is now Phoenix’s chairwoman, said: “The ethos of the club is that everyone feels comfortable”.
She continued: “Some of our swimmers will never be world champions but they love to come and swim. We don’t push them to fight for a place in the squads.”
Mrs Higgins, who first became involved with the club when she chose it as one of her mayoral charities, hailed the family-like community which has been established.
“It is a safe environment for all of our swimmers because in some places people poke fun at them but here everyone has got something, so there’s no jokes at their expense,” she said.
“A lot of them will not progress straight away but go up a little bit and then plateau, then go up again and plateau.
“But mainly all who are involved are lovely people. I think it also helps for the parents who give birth to a Down syndrome child and don’t have a clue what to do.
“This club shows parents their child is capable.”
Among those keeping the club ticking on a day-to-day basis are the committee volunteers who give up their time.
Julie Jago, lead coach of the squad section, and Tracy Cole, who leads the teaching, have been hailed for their roles.
Sponsors Linklaters and Ultimotive have also been thanked for their vital support.
But for Mrs Higgins, it is the swimmers who are the jewel in the club’s crown.
She said: “Seeing some children who are terrified of water progress is so special, seeing them enjoy the freedom of being in the water.
“The teachers are also very patient and good with them because it takes a special kind of teacher.
“It takes a unique person to help them and deal with that.”
The club’s wonderful history and continued legacy will now be celebrated during a weekend of events next weekend.
Members and teachers past and present are invited to join the festivities on October 21 and 22.
Medals will be dished out by Colchester mayor John Jowers during a gala on the Saturday, running from 4pm to 7pm at Leisure World.
The following day, a party will be held at Colchester Arts Centre from 2pm to 4pm and will see a DJ, child’s entertainer and bar on offer.
Mrs Higgins said entry to the party is free but guests are encourage to bring a plate of food.
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