The Olds Rapids Swim Club has given out awards to members who finished their long course season.
“The 2018-2019 year has been amazing. Our younger swimmers have stepped up to the challenge and not only represented well but also achieved high accolades with club records broken, representation at festival, provincial and championship meets,” said Cecilia Wessels, the head coach of the club.
Wessels said what stood out to her about this season was the success of the younger swimmers in the club.
“Swimming definitely for our club has gone from being something that the older kids do to something that the 10- to 12-year-olds (do. They) are just killing it for us everywhere, provincial level, championship level, everywhere,” Wessels said.
Late last month, awards were given to the long course swimmers by short course swimmers who had already received their awards.
The Michel Ormann award, which is given to the best overall male swimmer, was presented to Josh Stuart by Thomas Andrews.
The best overall female swimmer award was given to long course swimmer Seleah Organ by short course swimmer Mikayla Milz.
The Karen Jenkins spirit award was given to long course swimmer Cheye-ann Wessels by short course swimmer Brooke Rosevear.
Kira Quashie received the most improved swimming award for long course athletes, presented by short course swimmer Kenadie Weiss.
When reflecting on the challenges that the club faces, Wessels said one problem is that some people see swimming as being more of a hobby than a sport.
“It’s not generally accepted yet that swimming is a sport,” Wessels said. “There still is a little bit of resistance for us as a club in the sport community.”
Wessels anticipates that the club will be faced with lots of challenges next season.
“I expect it to be a lot of healthy, fun challenges and I’m expecting our team to overcome them and beat them,” she said.
