Editor,

I feel for all members of the North Whidbey Aquatic Club swim team that have to witness the end of their swim club. This is something that’s very difficult to bear.

For years, the swim club offered water enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy themselves, to develop their skills to various levels, and to appreciate the camaraderie and team spirit. The club offered an extremely important athletic leisure opportunity for the youth of Oak Harbor.

It is hard to imagine that this is supposed to come to an end.

The swim club went through quite some turmoil during the last years, but there was always hope on my part that a community that values fitness, athleticism, dedication and commitment will support it.

The swimmers I’ve gotten to know over the years are amazing individuals with goals for their futures, with willingness to work hard to achieve these goals even if it meant to be at the pool at 5:15 in the morning.

These character traits were always reflected in their schoolwork.

Sport shapes individuals and their character. It offers an outlet to enjoy the company of people with the same interest. All I can think of is what a loss it will be not to have a swim team anymore. There was the mention of a swim team for fun. It is great to combine competition and fun and anyone training for being successful in competition will have fun.

I do not agree with the mentality “everyone is a winner” because the real world doesn’t function this way. Your youth needs to be prepared for a highly competitive society.

I am still thinking there should be a way to keep the swim team alive, otherwise it will be creating a huge void — especially for the youth involved.

Christina Bromme

Coupeville