“I have always been apprehensive to meet new people out of fear of judgment or prejudice because of my identity. However at YYGS such a fear was completely unjustified. Within the first 48 hours of meeting people, it quickly became clear that YYGS was a diverse and welcoming community; although, we had all come from different backgrounds, the people I encountered were some of the most tolerant and understanding young individuals I have ever met.”
Through a joint partnership between my school and my local sports centre, I recently began working with disabled individuals to assist them to swim. As a passionate swimmer, swimming for me is not just a form of exercise. The experience of floating through the water is such a stimulating yet soothing experience that I could never live without it . Thus, I wanted to help those who might not be able to swim on their own to have the same opportunity to do so.
Hence, with one of my classmates, at the beginning of September, I began working with Pimlico Puffins in order to help provide the opportunity for disabled people of all ages to go swimming for an hour every Monday night. Much of the work is physically exhausting, particularly when helping those that require the most assistance. Despite this, I will never regret taking part in such an activity that is so rewarding. The individuals that take part in the program are some of the most optimistic and caring people that I have ever met. I hope to pursue the program into the future and I have high hopes that the program will continue to expand over time to accommodate more people in such an enjoyable activity