ON THE BLOCKS | Issue #1 | 31-January 2025

BY MACKENZIE, ANNABELLE AND OLIVIA

Laughter, splashes and excitement filled the MBC pool last week as students dove into this year’s QGSSSA Swimming and Water Polo Camp. Over three action-packed days, swimmers embarked on trips from the Sunshine Coast to Gold Coast, taking part in team building activities, friendly competition, and unforgettable experiences that strengthened our team bond.

Swimmers arrived bright and early on Day 1, kicking off the camp with a quick splash in the pool before heading up to the Sunshine Coast, ready to take on their first challenge. Enoggera Military Captains Ben and Jill put the Pink Sea through their paces, pushing them to their limits with a rigorous beach workout designed to build resilience and strengthen team bonds. Alannah Parkes (Year 12) named this her favourite activity, living by the mantra NO PAIN, NO GAIN—one we could all adopt! After soaking up the sun, salt, and sea, swimmers refuelled at Mummy’s Café with a nutritious meal of wraps and pizza. Energized and ready for their next session, the team made their way to Albany Creek Aquatic Centre, where they refined their strokes and honed their skills. To top off an action-packed day, swimmers enjoyed a well-deserved treat—taking turns on the water slide, an experience Verity Griggs (Year 10) perfectly summed up as "thrilling."

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Day 2 kicked off with a quick swim before what many have called the highlight of the trip – a delicious breakfast stop at Mt Gravatt Yochi. A special mention goes to Elkie Athanasiov (Grade 10), who impressively devoured her $24 Yochi! From there, we headed to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, where swimmers put their balance, focus, and flexibility to the test in a yoga session run by Tom Barton. This was followed by a dive focused training session, which was topped off with a well-earned 45-minute massage for each swimmer. To refresh, we cooled down with smoothies before heading to the pinnacle of the camp – Top Golf. For over two hours, the team enjoyed endless fun, laughter, and a buffet feast (though it’s safe to say that some swimmers are definitely more suited to the pool than the golf course!).

The final day of swim camp was all about teamwork, energy, and excitement as Primary and Secondary swimmers strengthened their special bond. The morning kicked off with a dynamic session where QG girls eagerly stepped up to coach the Primary swimmers, sharing their skills and passion for the sport. Charlotte (Year 8) reflected on how swimming united everyone, creating a true sense of team spirit. Next came the BEST WAR CRY EVER— where QG and Andrews cup swimmers came together, shouting Pink and White with full force, their voices echoing across the pool. Fired up from chanting, swimmers refuelled with a feast of nachos and burritos, generously provided by Guzman Y Gomez. With spirits high and creativity flowing, both teams gathered in the dome to design bold and inspiring posters for the upcoming QG and Andrews Cup competitions. As the Primary team wrapped up their day, the QG girls headed to Chandler, eager for the time trials that would set the stage for an electrifying QG season. With "Racing, Winning, and of course, Beasting QG Night" on their minds, the excitement for the season ahead was undeniable.

The 2025 QGSSSA swimming season launched in style at the Manly Boat Club, where an electric atmosphere filled the room as swimmers eagerly looked forward to the season ahead. QG swimmers, alongside Andrews Cup swimmers, MBBC boys, and VIP guests, enjoyed a night of celebration, connection, and delicious food and dessert. The energy remained high as swimming captains Annabelle, Mackenzie, and Olivia used their speeches as an opportunity to inspire and motivate the swimmers. The night concluded with the announcement of special awards from the camp, leaving everyone excited and ready to dive into an unforgettable season.

Overall, the camp was a huge success, with swimmers describing it as "exhilarating," "bonding," and "awesome." From action-packed activities to unforgettable team moments, everyone had their personal highlights:

What was your favourite part about QG camp?

"Top Golf!" – Emery (Year 8), Tilly (Year 7), Verity (Year 10), Annika (Year 9), Isla (Year 11)

"Yochi – especially the $24 Yochi and massages!" – Elkie (Year 10)

"Connecting with everyone through swimming." – Charlotte (Year 8)

"The beach activity – NO PAIN, NO GAIN!" – Alannah (Year 12)

What are you most looking forward to this QG season?

"Racing!" – Emery (Year 8)

"The energy and the vibes." – Kaiyah (Year 8)

"Beasting QG!" – Elkie (Year 10)

"Competing and swimming for MBC!" – Charlotte (Year 8)

"The atmosphere of QG night – and the bus, especially Annabelle’s karaoke (not Maccas singing!)." – Alannah (Year 12)

If you could describe your camp experience in one word, what would it be?

"Energetic and chaotic!" – Kaiyah (Year 8)

"Fabulous!" – Isla (Year 11)

"Exciting and unpredictable!" – Rebecca (Year 9)

"Superb!" – Alannah (Year 12)

"Fun!" – Alice (Year 7), Emery (Year 8)