Those who read my last journal entry in June will remember that one of Megan's swimming coaches, Nigel, succumbed to Coronavirus.
His family were so overwhelmed by the tributes placed by the children he taught, and by the love that they all had for him, that they set up a little annual memorial prize in his name at the pool where the Penzance Dolphins meet twice a week for coaching and training sessions. It's not much, but it matters to the kids.
I am immensely proud therefore, to inform everybody that today, Megan was awarded the inaugural Nigel Treveathy Prize for "Making the most progress this year". She so loves to swim. The pool being closed for months was hell on earth for her and when it re-opened, oh, the pestering "Can we go swimming today please, mummy.... please.... PLEAAAAAAASE..."
So today, she had her picture taken at poolside for the local press as she was awarded her little medal and certificate.
I admit, I almost had a little bubble out of sheer pride. It was close.
The council have put a framed photo of Nigel in the foyer of the pool and gym and there is a vase for flowers too. His family have been through a lot and we think it's a fitting tribute for somebody who was highly thought of and very much loved by the children.
When we got home Amanda said to Meg that she should treasure this award because it's her first ever swimming medal. She asked what's the biggest swimming medal you can get so I told her that the most important one is an Olympic gold medal, and then I put on our DVD of the London Olympics and she watched Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.
"I want one of those one day." She said.
I think I might have just become a "Swimming Mum".
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