Finishing Well

Simon starting a 50m Freestyle

As the school year draws to a close, this week marks the end of few activities. Last sailing practice on Wednesday. Last Youth Group on Thursday. Last Swim Team event yesterday. It is sometimes hard to stay motivated to finish well but Max and Simon are still putting in the effort.

Max reflecting on his race

The last Swim Team competition for the year was a Boys Swim Meet yesterday. The team has grown significantly from the 3 swimmers who competed in this Qatar Swim Meet last year. Yesterday the boys team of 14 swimmers took 3rd place overall (among 12 schools from Qatar). Simon had a couple of personal best swims and 3 first place races. Max swam consistently and performed well against his older and larger competitors. Also at last week's Sports Award ceremony Max received the award for the boys Swim Team Most Valuable Player.

Simon, Coach Jemma, Max after yesterday's competition

The end of Swim Team for this year is bittersweet for the boys. They are happy to have a break from practices but their beloved Coach Jemma is leaving Qatar this year. Three years ago Jemma started the swim program at Qatar Academy and has been a great teacher, coach and encourager for Max and Simon. She is a wonderful young woman and we will all miss her dearly.