Competing in this year’s Headway Natal gala will be Jose Carvalho (62), who will tackle the chilly Westville waters for his fourth gala this year. Carvalho is a member at Headway for the last five years and looks forward to the gala each year.
Jose Carvalho exercising in the headway gym.
Carvalho said he signed up for the event at the first opportunity. “I didn’t have to think about it I put my name down at the first notice of the gala” said Carvalho.
The event is a fun competition and Carvalho said he enjoys comparing his fitness level and ability to compete with his previous year’s performance. “It’s a good event, the fact that you are competing with people with similar problems and get to see how you’re doing from year to year. It’s fun.”
While being ‘swimming fit’ is important for the gala competitor, Carvalho said he will also factor in some rest to be in top form. “Four to five days before the event you have to minimize your exercise so you won’t be exhausted on the day” he said. While the gala swimmer is excited for the day, he said that one challenge will be the water temperature. Carvalho prefers to train in the Headway swimming pool because it is heated and the chilly Westville temperature is regarded as ‘one of the things’ gala competitors have to get used to for the event.
The benefit of exercise, however, makes it worth it. “Swimming is good exercise and it’s low impact. It’s a good way to stay in shape” added Carvalho.
While his favourite swimming stroke is back stroke, Carvalho also enjoys photography and spends time ‘just recording the event’.
Headway Natal rehabilitation centre will host their annual swimming gala for their members at Westville pool in Wednesday, 7 March. The gala is open to the public and the community is encouraged to get involved and show their support.
It’s alway’s more fun when more people come” said Carvalho.
