It is Volunteers' Week 2026, running from 1 to 7 June. A good moment to say something that does not get said often enough.
D&G Swim Team does not run itself. Every session, every gala, every result posted and every lane set up happens because a group of people give their time without being paid for it. That is not a small thing.
What our volunteers actually do
The list is longer than most people realise. On any given week, our volunteers are:
- Officiating at galas, often from early morning until late afternoon
- Coordinating entries, travel and logistics for away meets
- Running poolside at training sessions
- Managing club administration, communications and safeguarding
- Supporting athletes at the start blocks and poolside.
- Keeping the club compliant, funded and functioning and visible.
None of this is glamorous. Most of it goes unnoticed by the people it benefits most. That is, in a way, the point. When it is done well, it is invisible.
Swim clubs exist because of volunteers. Not in spite of a lack of funding or professional staff. Because of people who chose to show up, week after week, and make it work.
No volunteers. No club. It really is that simple.
A straightforward thank you
Without trying to dress this up. If you volunteer for D&G, in any capacity, thank you. The athletes who stand on the podium, the swimmers who hit a personal best for the first time, the kids who turn up nervous to their first gala and leave with a precious medal.
None of that happens without you.
If you have ever thought about getting involved, Volunteers' Week is a good time to reach out. Officiating qualifications, poolside roles and administrative support are all areas where we can always use more hands. No experience necessary for most of it. Just reliability and a willingness to learn.
Get in touch through the club if you want to know more.