OLDS— Four members of the Olds Rapids swim club have received awards for their performance this season.
Seleah Organ, 12, was named the club’s female swimmer of the year.
She swam seven provincial qualifying times and set seven club records.
Aidan Fox won the best male swimmer of the year/Mitch Ormann award, named after an exceptional member of the club.
The award goes to a male swimmer who has broken the most club records, achieved the most personal best times, achieved the highest possible time standard for provincials, nationals and championships.
Fox swam six short course provincial qualifying times, two championship qualifying times, three long course provincial qualifying times and set 12 club records.
Elora-Lynn Snell was named the most improved swimmer of the year.
The 10-year-old swam four female festival qualifying times: 100 metre (m) freestyle, 50 m backstroke, 50 m breaststroke and 100 m breaststroke.
The Karen Jenkin team spirit award went to Cheye–anne Wessels.
In a news release, Tamara Johnson, the club’s advertising co-ordinator, said this award is presented to “the swimmer who supports his/her teammates; the swimmer who knows everybody on the team by name and can probably tell you the dreams and goals of his/her teammates; the swimmer who always has time for another teammate; older or younger, to help with a swim cap, find a water bottle or some feedback on how to fix that stroke; the swimmer who cheers you on when you race, talks you down when you are upset and lifts you up when you feel down.”
The Olds Rapids’ season ended early, due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
“With the 2019/2020 season cut short, we as a club had lots to be grateful for in the season, with each of our swimmers achieving new personal goals, learning new skills and most of all, making new friends while having fun,” Johnson said.
“Swimming is not just about getting personal best times and repeatedly swimming laps, but more so about learning lifelong skills in team work, being independent and becoming strong leaders and mentors within the club and the community,” she said.
On behalf of the club, Johnson sent out special congratulations to the four award winners, who, she said, “worked hard to improve both themselves and those around them.”
Johnson also welcomed all the new board members who were elected this spring who, she said, “chose to join during a time of many unknowns and who we can happily say are pushing through and navigating all the new rules and regulations so that in due course, we can safely get back to what we love.”
Johnson also praised head coach Cecilia Wessels “whose passion for swimming and love for teaching has brought this club together.”
“No matter what role you play within our club: parent, coach, or board member, we want to say thank you for all your hard work and dedication,” she added.
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