Swim coach’s passion is her driving force

MOKOPANE - Marici Welding, a teacher from Waterberg High School in Mokopane, is not your average teacher. Welding’s friendly approach along with her passion for both children and swimming makes it a no brainer when it comes to volunteering for being the school’s swimming coach.
Her passion and perseverance has brought her to getting the green light from the Mogalakwena Municipality in using their facilities for the school to start with swimming lessons to all Waterberg High School’s learners who are eager to be trained in the school’s new sports discipline. “I faced many challenges prior to getting this far,” says Welding.  “Even though this sport only kicked off recently for our school, we are taking baby steps towards advanced and competitive swimming,” she adds.
Welding explains that coaching is about developing people. Her goal is for the learners to achieve great success and more specifically for them to enjoy every moment thereof. Northern News visited the learners at the municipal swimming pool while still at their very first stages of training. An exited group, from 14-years and older faced the icy wind and eagerly awaited further instruction from Welding. A fun hour training session followed under the watchful eye of a life saver.
Welding’s passion for the sport began in her adult years as she started competing in the well known Midmar Mile and later also taking part in distance swimming at Ebenezer Dam. She completed the latter twice.
“It is so rewarding to see these swimmers developing, regardless the pace. And knowing that you are a part of the reason why they develop is even more rewarding,“ says Welding.