Community Corner
Why One Parent is Excited by Flaherty Pool's Reopening
The newly-renovated Flaherty Pool reopened just in time for the summer and the Flaherty Dolphins team is back in their home lanes!
Written by John Radosta
How excited are we for the return of the Flaherty Pool in Roslindale? The pool, along with its staff, is one of the greatest assets of the city. Here's why:
The Flaherty Dolphins Swim Team has been a huge benefit for my entire family. When my son started swimming lessons there several years ago, my wife and I were impressed with the community surrounding the swim team. We watched team members of all ages taking part in pool and facility maintenance, looking out for younger swimmers, and doing their homework in a safe and friendly environment. When my son and his friends’ lessons turned into to pre-team training, we couldn’t have been happier. He was going to be one of those responsible, team-oriented kids.
What truly amazes me about the team is that it is so diverse. In a sport where African-Americans and other minorities have been traditionally shut out, for once my white son is in the minority. But that isn’t even an issue. The team, formally led by Richard Mojica and now in the interim by Louis Barnes, stresses teamwork and group support. The only thing that matters, even more than winning, is that the Dolphins do their best and help their teammates to do theirs. It’s that simple.
But the thing is, the Dolphins do win. Even though they were displaced for a year, in a facility that was more difficult to get to for many families, they hold their own against better-funded suburban teams, they show their dedication by going to early morning practices, and they parlay that dedication into amazing performances.
Last winter, they came in first place at the regional Elias Karman Diversity Meet in New York City – after a bus ride ride that began at midnight. This Memorial Day Weekend, after 17 hours in four vans (the bus company bailed hours before departure), they took ninth place in the National Black Heritage meet in North Carolina. That's in a field of 42 teams, from as far away as Wisconsin and Texas. This is a team that should be celebrated across the city. It’s how Boston should work: kids of all races making friendships and winning together. That's what the Flaherty Pool is all about.
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