Eye On Y: Aquathlon makes big splash at Marco YMCA

Photo by Submitted

Steve Reynolds/SubmittedFrom left, Reese Bonfitto, Lisa Cottage-Ramnick, Trinity Wiggins and Madison Bonfittio are all smiles after participating in the Splash N Dash Aquathlon, hosted by the Greater Marco Family YMCA and USA Triathlon on Sunday.

Photo by Submitted

Steve Reynolds/Submitted (2) Jennifer Bristow, event director, places participant medal on Kaliyah Gonzales for completion of the Slash N Dash Aquathlon, hosted by the Greater Marco Family YMCA and USA Triathlon on Sunday.

The inaugural Splash N Dash Aquathlon in Southwest Florida was hosted by the Greater Marco Family YMCA and USA Triathlon on Sunday.

The Y was only one of 30 locations chosen by the USA Triathlon Association to host the event in 2012. The USA Triathlon Splash N Dash was open to all athletes ages 7-15. The focus was on participation rather than competition in swimming and running.

Participants received a finisher medal and event T-shirt. Participants, parents and volunteers enjoyed a healthy breakfast and at the post event party. Jennifer Bristow, event director, said, "Parents have asked when the children can take part in another exciting event like this one and children's comments included what a 'great time it was.' "

YMCA Aerobics Instructors Kathy Kurtz and Margaret Lamp gave a demonstration on "Aerial Yoga" that may become a YMCA offering in the future.

For Health and Fitness Program Information go to www.marcoislandymca.org

The Summer Olympic Games renewed an interest in gymnastics and swimming. The YMCA is blessed by having a coach who plays a role in both sports and has Olympic coaching credentials. Kamal Farhat heads the Youth Swim Team and has also lent his talents to the Youth Gymnastics program. Children in grades 1-6 are encouraged to join the swim team and represent the YMCA at meets as part of the Swim Florida League. Your child will make new friends, challenge themselves, improve swimming skills, and stay in shape all year round. The Beginner Squad practices Monday through Friday, 3 to 4 p.m. Advanced Swimmers meet from 4 to 6 p.m. Cost for YMCA members is $70 a month, the community pays $117 a month. There is a sibling discount available to members at $65 a month and a seasonal Weekly drop in rate is $33 a week.

The monthly gymnastics is for children ages 3 and older. The program is divided into two age groups. Gymnastic Rollers is for children ages 3 to 5 and Beginners are 6 and older. Each four-week session will focus on strengthening, flexibility, balance and confidence. Children will learn basic gymnastics through mat work, beam, vault, spring board and dance. The Rollers meet on Monday, 6 to 7 p.m. and Beginners meet Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 8 p.m. Monthly fee for members in the Rollers is $25 and $33 for community participants. Cost for Beginners is $50 for Y members and $65 for community.

Sign up your child at the Customer Service desk.

Keeping kids safe with YMCA Youth Swim Lessons has two sessions left for the rest of the year. Classes run from Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 and Oct. 15 to Oct. 25. Classes are Monday through Thursday. The Parent/ Child classes are 6 months to 3 years, from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. The next group, Pike/Eel class meets from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m., 4 to 4:30 p.m., or 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Advanced classes include Ray/Starfish, Guppy/Minnow, Fish/Flying Fish and Shark, which meet from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. The fee for each session is $50 for Y members and $70 for community. Marco island residents may receive a $15 discount for youth swim lessons through funds provided by the city of Marco Island; Just show proof of residency when registering for the program.

Adult swimmers can enroll for the monthly the AM Aquatics program. The Master Swim Program is great for all levels, whether you are a Master Swimmer, just starting out, or swimming to stay fit. It is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 8 a.m. Cost for Y members is $70 a month, $95 for community. Drop in charge is $26 a week.