Swimmers plunge into competitions
Members of the Summerland Orcas Swim Club work on their techniques during a recent practice. From left are Jamie Ferguson, Kelsey Jenner and Paige Miskiman.
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Updated: November 18, 2009 2:32 PM
Young swimmers are learning their skills and getting an introduction to competition through the Orca Swim Club.
Tom Best, coach of the swim club, said there are now 60 members in the club.
While the age range includes young swimmers to those in high school, the average age is nine.
“It’s a young, enthusiastic group,” he said. “The improvement from last year is just amazing.”
While there are many young swimmers, Best said there are also some enthusiastic participants among teens.
This year, for the first time, there is a swim club at the high school level.
In addition to the competitions, the club also held an unofficial in-house meet earlier this month, which helped to introduce the youngest swimmers to competitions.
“It’s a very friendly environment,” Best said. “That’s what sports should be — the joy of competition.”
Best said sport is also a good training ground for personal development, which the athletes will need in all parts of their lives.
“Competition is an important part of everyday life,” he said. “Good athletes have developed the abilities to overcome challenges.”
