Pride

The year is 1973, and Jim Ellis, a college-educated African-American, can't find a job. Driven by his love of competitive swimming, Jim converts an abandoned recreational pool hall in a Philadelphia slum with the help of Elston, a local janitor. But when city officials mark the new Philadelphia Department of Recreation for demolition, Jim fights back--by starting the city's first African-American swim team. Recruiting troubled teens from the streets, Jim struggles to transform a motley team of novices into capable swimmers--all in time for the upcoming state championships. But as racism, violence and an unsympathetic city official threaten to tear the team apart, Jim must do everything he can to convince his swimmers that victory, both in and out of the pool, is within their reach.

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"I just don't think a person like yourself can communicate properly with the students", that was what the principal told Jim Ellis when he applied for a teaching position at the very atas school.

But he not only managed to get them interested in a healthy activity (swimming), but managed to get them on the right track. He instilled in them pride in what they are doing, not arrogance, but pride in excellence, in resilience, in what they represent, in chasing and achieving their dreams.

The plot is cliche and predictable, it's like all typical "teacher changes kids, makes a difference" sort of plot. But that's the sort of show i like. hehe.

It showed how they displayed teamwork in the end, being willing to sit out of the race, being willing to not be the anchor for the relay, knowing one's strengths and weaknesses and knowing how to complement the team.

PDR= Pride, Determination, Resilience