Programs at theMesquiteRecreationCenter,2100 W. Old Mill Road, work even in an era of municipal budget cuts in large part because of the generosity of the community.
Erica Garrett, manager of the Virgin Valley Home Health and Hospice in Mesquite, is the latest example of community support.
“I’ve got a daughter who swam on the swim team for about three years,” Garrett said. “Swimming is a great summer activity for the kids
As a mother and a business member of the community she said she felt the desire to help.
She helped in the form of a $300 donation on June 21. The donation came in handy as the new uniforms for “The Manta Rays” swim team are about to arrive. And the donation covered the cost of the new caps.
“We’ve already purchased swim caps for them,” said Nick Montoya, superintendent for the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services. “These will match the uniforms that they’re getting.” He said he wanted to have the sponsor’s name printed on the caps, but that proved too expensive.
“Some of the kids have seen them and like them a lot,” Montoya said, holding up one of the caps.
“They look great,” Garrett said, examining one of the new caps.
At the time, 69 swimmers had signed up but more were expected. There’s only 75 caps, but the Manta Rays are still are accepting sign-ups.
“The Manta Rays” team is a both a recreational and competitive level swim team program, Montoya explained. It focuses on teaching and promoting good sportsmanship, encourages self-esteem and teamwork.
Team practice will run until August, every Monday through Thursday.
The advanced swimmers meet at 8 a.m., followed by the beginner/intermediate practice at 9 a.m.. Mondays through Thursdays. The swim team coaches will determine what level and time the young swimmer will be practicing.
Swimmers wanting to join the team should be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke or have a Red Cross Level 4 certificate. Although the team is for children under 18, there’s no limit on how young the swimmer must be as long as they meet the minimum swimming standards. One member this summer is four-years old.
The program fee is $85, which includes practice four days per week, a T-shirt, and three home meets. Away meets are also available for swimmer participation. Some scholarships are available to help with the cost.
But that takes money.
“We’re always looking for donations to help with the programs. Those are expenses we don’t have to cover which helps fund the other programs,” Montoya said
For more information on this and other programs or to make a donation, contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at (702) 346-8732.