An Unforgettable Evening with Paralympian Col Pearse at Monbulk Aquatic Centre

Monbulk Aquatic Centre welcomed Paralympian Col Pearse for an event that brought together swimmers, families and aspiring athletes from across the Yarra Ranges community. The centre was buzzing from the moment Col arrived, with meet and greets, autographs and plenty of excitement as young swimmers took the opportunity to connect with an elite athlete who has represented Australia on the world stage.

The afternoon featured a packed Q&A session where swimmers asked thoughtful questions about training, resilience and life as a high‑performance athlete. Col’s openness and willingness to share his experiences made the session highly engaging, and several junior para athletes from the community valued the opportunity to meet and speak with him.

A butterfly skills clinic followed, giving five young swimmers the chance to learn directly from Col in his signature stroke. The session was practical, focused and supportive, with Col offering technique tips and encouragement to each participant. Parents and families watched proudly from poolside as the swimmers took in advice from someone who has mastered the butterfly at the highest level.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the 50‑metre “Col vs. Monbulk Marlins” exhibition race. Swimmers were selected via a name draw and the atmosphere around the 25‑metre pool quickly lifted as families and supporters gathered to watch the friendly showdown. The cheering carried across the centre as Col and the Marlins powered down the pool, creating a memorable moment that the young swimmers will hold onto for years.

The event was delivered in partnership with Swimming Australia through the GOswim program, which Belgravia Leisure operates nationally. GOswim supports more than three million lessons each year, and events like this reinforce its commitment to building confident, capable swimmers within local communities.

Monbulk Aquatic Centre Manager, Rachel Scott, expressed her appreciation for the strong community turnout and noted the positive impact the visit had on young swimmers. She described Col’s energy and authenticity as a highlight for families and acknowledged how valuable the experience was for children involved in both learn‑to‑swim programs and club swimming.

The community left inspired, motivated and uplifted by the visit, and the event served as a reminder of the important role local facilities play in supporting participation, belonging and ambition in sport.