Interview with Louise Auersperg founder of Adopt a Swimmer
The adopt a swimmer programme caught the eye of ShowMe Plett, wanting to discover more, we had the awesome opportunity to interview the founder, Louise Auersberg.
How were you inspired to create Adopt a Swimmer? What was your inspiration?
In my lifetime I have dealt with many chronic and terminally ill patients. I worked with street kids for 25 years and personally dealt with challenges such as my learning disability and not being able to have children.
I never thought I would have the opportunity to work with children and be part of their world. When I came to Plett, I was made aware of the orphans and traumatised children in this region, and as an owner of my own swimming school, I knew from experience how theraputic water can be and this is where the inspiration stemmed from.
Character building is what I focus on with the children that are part of adopt a swimmer. I enable them to be confident, and encourage them in all areas of their lives (school, projects, social). It goes as far as to say, children start improving in their schoolwork and start working harder, setting goals and ultimately coming out of their shells.
Is Adopt a Swimmer only in Plett?
No, Adopt a Swimmer runs in George as well. Erika Menton is the person running the George side. The goal is to spread awareness and start the Adopt a Swimmer program country wide, international even.
When did you begin Adopt a Swimmer?
In 2011 we started off with 2 children and increased to 30 children in 2012, all functioning without funding. Since then Adopt a Swimmer has grown and made a huge impact on the children attending.
Where do you get your sponsorship?
We get a lot of support from local businesses such as Naturesport, Spar, Hog Hollow, The Grand Cafe and Rooms, Guccio Computers, the Bitou Municipality and private donors like David Ntebele and Mr Frichjof – we are so grateful for those sponsors and support.
What does it mean to adopt one of these swimmers and how would one go about doing this?
To adopt a swimmer, one would need to access the website and go through a screening process. We need sponsors that care about the child that they sponsor and want to see them progress. The sponsor pays R350 per month which covers expenses such as pool fees, taxi, treats, accounting fees and so on.
The sponsor will receive a portfolio on the child describing the child that they have paid for. The sponsor will receive regular updates and feedback on the child.
We would like the sponsors to be involved in the child’s development in adopt a swimmer and become part of the child’s life.
What is Adopt a Swimmers involvement with the nippers club?
The little ones that have potential to further their swimming skills are filtered through to Chaz of Nippers, and are sponsored by the life saving team!
What would someone be surprised to know about you?
I am married to Peter who has been a rock of support personally as well as a qualified swimming coach, and as such has made a huge contribution to the project.
I also have a miracle son, Alexander. After years of treatments, the doctors said my body was too damaged to ever fall pregnant. I accepted my fate and then, suddenly, I was pregnant, and Alexander was born. He has finished nippers and now does community work for Adopt a Swimmer.
Because I had been told I would never have children, I searched out a way to be a part of children’s worlds. I worked for about 25 years with street children of Durban and PE, with abused children and those with special needs. I have also spent time working with people who are terminally ill.
To get to this level in teaching swimming was difficult for me as I also have a learning disability which was a struggle when completing my exams.
Both of these personal experiences still drive me today in proving that the limits that you are given do not stop you from achieving and doing anything you want to do.
What are the long term goals for the Adopt A Swimmer programme?
The long term goal would be to create further awareness of the fact that water is theraputic.
The goal for the swimmers I teach will be to enable them to go to national swimming competitions and really achieve in their lives.
They have also been shown that they can overcome their fears and circumstances to make them successful and proud to be who they are.
How does Adopt a Swimmer operate?
Every Friday afternoon there are lessons for the Adopt a Swimmer group. A couple of them – 4 from Genesis House – attend two classes per week.
Depending on the season, summer is at the outdoor pool and in winter, we move to the heated pool.
What do the children gain after being adopted and completing the adopt a swimmer course?
We always have little tokens to give the children to let them appreciate their achievements. We would like to hold gala’s, and give the children certificates and medals – but funding and sponsors are needed in order to do this.
When they win galas, they receive certificates, and they are always so chuffed and excited. They learn how good it feels to achieve something.
What drives you to continue this cause?
My drive is proving that anyone, no matter what the circumstances or limits can achieve anything. I love seeing the change in the children that I teach and how they overcome their fears and the obstacles that they face.
An example of where this happened and an incredibly touching experience, was with a young girl named Serelene Wildeman.
Her family drowned in a terrible accident in the river mouth last year. Since then she has had a terrible fear of water and is overwhelmed with the pain of losing people she loved.
She started two weeks ago with me and I could see how distressed and afraid she was. I kept prompting her to tell me how she felt throughout the lesson.
After her first lesson, I received a message from her that said that this was the most awesome thing she has ever done. Reading this just lifted my heart, and reminded me of the bravery it takes to overcome those intense fears.
What would you like to say to the people of Plett about this programme?
I am so grateful to the businesses that have given children an opportunity to change their lives.
I would like to encourage people of the medical fields and other local businesses to get involved and create awareness. Help change the lives of these young children.
What are some of your favourite memories?
One of the most touching stories, is that of a little girl by the name of Charlotte.
This little girl got into some trouble in the river and was thought to be gone.
The Sea Rescue team worked on her for hours, and eventually she was given a second chance at life.
Her rescuer Wayne Craig has such a special bond with this little girl.
She is now in the Adopt a Swimmer program and although she is petrified, she is making progress and healing.
If you wish to make a donation please find bank details below:
Bank: FNB
Account Name: Adopt A Swimmer
Account Number: 62348610305
Account Type: Business Cheque Account
Branch Code: 210514
Branch Name: Plettenberg Bay
Reference: Your name + Donation
If you wish to become a sponsor:
Fill out this form on the Adopt A Swimmer Website