THINK, BELIEVE, DREAM, AND DARE

An eight-year-old boy approached an old man in front of a wishing well,looked up into his eyes, and asked: "I understand you're a very wise man. I'd like to know the secret of life."  The old man looked down at the youngster and replied: "I've thought a lot in my lifetime, and the secret can be summed up in four words:

The first is think. Think about the values you wish to live your life by.

The second is believe. Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done about the values you're going to live your life by.

The third is dream. Dream about the things that can be, based on your belief in yourself and the values you're going to live by.

The last is dare. Dare to make your dreams become reality, based on your belief in yourself and your values." And with that, Walter E. Disney said to the little boy, "Think, Believe, Dream, and Dare."

The South Riding Swim Team (SRST) is a non-profit organization exclusively devoted to the promotion of safe, quality swimming for the children of the South Riding Community.

Through healthful exercise and quality competition, SRST provides all their members with training that both challenge their abilities and contribute significantly to their physical and emotional growth and development.

With over 300 participating swimmers, the Stingrays are run by parent volunteers who are interested in supporting their children’s long-term growth as part of the South Riding Community.

The SRST program includes three swimming groups: Mini Rays (developmental program for younger swimmers), and two Stingray competitive programs, each belonging to either the Colonial Swim League (CSL) or Old Dominion Swim League (ODSL).

Although no two years are alike, the South Riding Stingrays season starts with after-school practices leading to Time Trials and Bi-Weekly competitions against other Northern Virginia teams. The season culminates with the All-Star meet and the much acclaimed award ceremony. In between there are swim clinics, ice cream socials, a day at Splash Down Water Park and Kings Dominion, movie night, laser tag -- and much, much more.

Competing and playing as part of the team develops friendships, fosters team spirit, and develops memories that lasts long after the swim goggles are hung up for the season.