Happy Birthday Swim Buddy Network
WOW !!!! On 17th February 2020 the Swim Buddy Network celebrates its first birthday and if you’d told me this time last year, it would grow to the size and amazing group it has become I wouldn’t have believed you !
If you’re already a member of the group you’ll know my initial thought was to create a group and hopefully (with a bit of luck and strong wind behind me) I’d maybe attract 10-20 members. Instead it has surpassed all our expectations and we have just welcomed our 800th Buddy (I struggle to get my head round the amount of people who have joined)
Never for a second did I envisage it would grow to the size it has and stretch across multiple online platforms !!! To date we have;
Facebook Group
Strava
Not only have we expanded across various platforms we managed to secure exclusive discounts for our members from Simply Swim, Race at Your Pace and MySwimPro. We are currently talking to a number of other organisations and hope to have news on more exclusives in the near future.
I always wanted the group to be a completely supportive environment whether you’re new to swimming, just returning after a break or a competitive swimmer. To say our ‘buddies’ have embraced this ethos is a complete understatement !
Everyday in the group I see questions being asked and buddies responding and offering advice and suggestions. What is truly inspiring though, is when I see somebody can’t go swimming because life has gotten in the way. The way our buddies almost fall over each other to offer words of support and encouragement is phenomenal and makes me immensely proud to be part of such an amazing group of people.
With the speed the group was growing it was apparent I’d need help (most folks probably think I need help anyway….before anybody pipes up !). This is where Justyna and James come in and I cannot emphasise enough just how much they help me…inspire me and support me every single day. The energy and enthusiasm they bring to the group is just astounding and I can’t thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do….You are the absolute best……THANK YOU !!!
One of the things which has become exceptionally popular with our buddies are our monthly virtual swim challenges. I love seeing the messages from members saying they weren’t going to go for a swim, but then they think about the challenge / the goal they’ve set themselves and it motivates them to get splashy !
A quick search and you can sea (get it ! sea…see ! …Oh ok, I’ll stop) there are plenty of swimming groups about. What makes Swim Buddy Network special is our members…it’s as simple as that !!! Each of you is there for each another and I couldn’t be prouder of you all !!!!
As we have been celebrating the run up to our first birthday, there have been some wonderful messages of support from our members. It is very humbling to read the effect the group has had and I would like to say….
It is YOU that make the group what it is and for that I am honoured and proud to know you !