Things I observed:
-Some kids don't have to swim at all;
-Some kids were in the "width" squad, so they just had to swim a width of the pool;
-Some kids who were reasonable swimmers were restricted to one length only, no matter their ability;
Last year there was a 200-metre event at the school - this was withdrawn this year due to a focus on safety training. It's my understanding that only a few kids at the school can, in fact, swim the entire 200 metres.
Two helpers were at poolside in case one of the kids could not swim one length of the pool, even though they were entered in the race - or "participation event" if I'm to keep in with modern terms.
What I took from this experience was:
-Everyone is a winner;
-Let's ensure events are restricted to a certain distance so lesser ability kids are not beaten by too much;
-Let's celebrate being average;
-It's okay to stand out from your peers - but just make sure it's not by too much.
I had many heavy defeats during my formative years on the sports field, both as a kid and as a professional and representing New Zealand. I have also not got every job I applied for and I was not the greatest learner in the classroom.
When I lost I had to learn to get better in whatever discipline I chose to do. My opponents didn't care too much if they beat me by big margins, nobody gave us a certificate or told us we were as good as the guy/girlwho beat us. Winners win, losers lose - it's simple. Kids today like to know who won, what the score was and who lost.
Life is competitive. If you think it is not, find somebody who has a very successful career and ask them. We all have setbacks to deal with and we all have a choice about what we do when we face defeat - we can either cry victim or learn, grow and develop the skills to get better.
I'm guessing that in the future we'll all get a certificate for attending a job interview.
ROD BANNISTER, Whanganui
Retirement age
Chester Borrows, as the National MP for the area, justifies the Government policy to move the retirement age out to 67.
Understanding that Chester has been a cop and a lawyer and has now served three terms and 12 years in Parliament Government, perhaps he could explain something.
From just his service as an MP - not taking into account super from the police force, KiwiSaver or other source - could he explain what the retirement benefits are for him (and every other MP who spends at least nine years in Parliament)?
I don't believe he'll answer the question, because it is too embarrassing - MPs have provided themselves with a retirement package that no other Kiwi gets.
This package includes free domestic air travel and one international trip per year. They put themselves first at a level above anybody else while making life harder for the people who produce the real wealth in this country.
MPs should lead by linking their pay, conditions and retirement benefits to those of ordinary working Kiwis.
MURRAY SHAW, Bastia Hill
Nordic ways
I share Frank Greenall's liking for Nordic pragmatism, and his nostalgia for the good old days in New Zealand.
Our politicians could learn much from Nordic countries - some good, some bad, and much which is not politically palatable in New Zealand.
I admire Sweden's efficient health system - the cost to patients is small and health authorities and patients choose public or private hospitals.
In Denmark, most ambulances and fire brigades are privately owned.
Sweden's schools were failing, so the government set up charter schools, which improved the education of children generally.
Sweden has powerful government, powerful CYFS with thousands of children removed from families, and high youth and child suicide rates. Long summer evenings in small towns are spoilt by rowdy, drunken teens.
High taxes suck the life out of any economy, and Sweden nearly collapsed in the 1990s, but it is recovering because of pragmatic Rogernomic-style reforms, welfare cutbacks, paying off debt etc.
Many Swedes have private insurance and savings for old age. Unemployment benefits are limited to 300 days, there is no DPB, and employers can hire and fire at will. Other Nordic countries are similar. However, I am wary of claims that the government can make people happy.
ALAN DAVIDSON, Gonville
Picture shock
I'm an avid reader of our lovely local paper but am a bit concerned regarding the March 2 front page.
I understand the all-important front page is to draw in and catch the eye of the reader to purchase the product.
If I were purchasing that paper at the local dairy, I certainly would not.
I'm sure that lady eating the ice-cream would not have liked the Frankenstein approach either.
There were some lovely pictures (as usual) inside the paper, which saved the day for me, but "ugly" front pages don't sell newspapers.
FAY CHAMBERLAIN, Whanganui
