The Innisfail Aquatic Centre was abuzz with activity as the Innisfail Dolphins hosted its annual swim meet this past weekend. Approximately 360 swimmers from eleven visiting teams arrived Friday to compete in this two-day event.
Tammy Thompson, one of the organizers of this year's meet, said that in a season that is very busy but not nearly long enough, this is a favourite event for the club. "It's nice to be at home. Our season is basically half over at this point," said Thompson. "This is our fourth meet so far." The team still has upcoming meets in Ponoka, Canmore, and Red Deer, as well as regionals and provincials.
The Innisfail Dolphins have made a name for themselves this year. They currently rank sixth in Alberta, not far behind some very large clubs out of Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Red Deer, according to the Alberta Summer Swimming Association (ASSA) website.
"We even have some kids who are breaking long-standing club records," said Thompson.
True to form, the club had an impressive showing at the Innisfail meet, claiming six medals in all. Of those, Faith Gette won a gold medal, Sydney Thompson, Bjorn Eggink and Anthony Chatwood each won silver medals, and Anson Ma-Phan and Quinn Layden brought home bronze medals in their individual categories.
This year's team is fairly young and quite strong. However, Thompson emphasized that the club accepts swimmers of all ages and abilities. "We currently have swimmers from six years-old to 19 years-old. In the past we have had swimmers who were 40 plus," said Thompson. "That's the beauty of swimming. It's a lifelong skill."
One bonus about swimming in a club, according to Thompson, is that all the children in one family can participate in at the same time, regardless of age or experience.
"Unlike some other sports, all the kids have the same practice and meet dates, no matter what level they compete at. It is very family friendly."
Thompson's two daughters, Shea and Sydney have been members of the club for the past twelve years. Shea began swimming at six years-old, and is now coaching as well as competing.
"I always wanted to coach the little kids," she said. "An opening came up and I went for it. It so rewarding to watch a kid catch on to a new skill they've been trying to learn."
Her mom said that it is really good for the younger swimmers to work with a coach who has come up through the ranks. "It really gives them someone to look up to," said Thompson.
Sydney began swimming at age of four.
"I love it," she said. "You get to meet a lot of new friends, both in the club and at the meets. I look forward to swim season all year long, so I can see my out-of-town friends again."
This meet marks the last opportunity for the Dolphins club to swim in their home pool this season. Beginning July 2, the Innisfail Aquatic Centre will close for the remainder of the summer, due to major renovations. The club will train in Olds for the duration of the season. This has created some challenges for the team.
"We lost a few swimmers and a coach due to the relocation," said Thompson. "There were also people who signed up and then changed their minds when they found out about the closure."
She is confident, however, that the resilient team will bounce back even stronger than ever.
"We have great community support, and we are grateful for that. We also have wonderful parent volunteers and enthusiastic club members. We think that we can really promote the club and recruit members next year, with an improved facility."
Registration for next season begins in March and swimming begins May 1, 2014.
