OLDS — Four awards were recently handed out and several records recognized as members of the Olds Rapids celebrated the end of their first session of the season (September to December).
The September swimmer of the month is Brittany Gelleny. Unfortunately she was not there to receive her award.
Rapids head coach Cecilia Wessels says Gelleny is the club’s first deaf masters competitive swimmer.
"She aims to create awareness for the needs of deaf and autistic swimmers who do not yet receive recognition under the para standards of Swim Canada," Wessels says.
Josh Stuart is the swimmer of the month for October. Stuart holds the club's record for boys 10 and under 1,500 metre (m) freestyle.
"He swam 60 lengths in 34 minutes," Wessels says.
The swimmer of the month for November is Seleah Organ.
"(She) holds seven provincial times for girls 12 and under and six club records for girls 12 and under," Wessels says.
Alex Martin, who is just four years old, is the swimmer of the month for December.
Martin completed his first meet in December at the Nose Creek Swim Association winter splash meet, during which he swam in the 100 m backstroke event.
Wessels describes that as "impressive."
Four swimmers chalked up a total of 16 provincial qualifying times.
They are Seleah Organ, Cheye-anne Wessels, Thomas Andrews and Aidan Fox.
Two swimmers -- Brittany Gelleny and Peter Verhesen -- set a total of 12 Olds Rapids Pistons Masters club records.
Six swimmers combined to set 21 age group club records.
They are Seleah Organ, Aidan Fox, Cheye-anne Wessels, Brittany Gelleny, Josh Stuart and Thomas Andrews.
During the end of session celebration, several swimmers received MyFirstRace Fishbowl awards. The Fishbowl awards are a program launched by Swim Alberta to motivate young swimmers to achieve different "fishes" for their fishbowl. Each fish represents a different distance and stroke.
