This past September, the Ottawa Y Olympians (OYO) swim club plunged into their new swim season with a two-week tryout period for new members. On October 1st a special club swim meet was also held where parents could participate in the OYO program by learning to time races for future swim meets.
The OYO swim club is looking for more young people aged 7 to 18 interested in competitive swimming. The club philosophy is to stress all-around development of the swimmer while having fun doing it. Each member has a goal to improve his/her personal best.
Practices are held at the Carlingwood Y pool, 200 Lockhart, at various times each week. Training levels start at the Pre-Competitive Program (PCP) and then continue with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Plus as swimmers continue to improve. A number of meets are held throughout the year both within and outside the Ottawa area.
Peter C. Zachar, 16, is a veteran OYO swimmer. Says Peter “I've been swimming for ten years now and I just can't think of any reason why I should stop. It clears your mind and keeps you in shape. Swimming is the only way to go.”
This is the third year in OYO for 11 year old Glen Torontow who swims at the Silver level. “I like to go in a lot of swim races against other clubs and win ribbons,” says Glen.
Sheila Holmes, also 11, started in September at the Bronze level, having previously completed level 12 AquaQuest and Bronze Star Lifeguard at the Dovercourt pool. Says Sheila “The practices are fun and challenging, and the coaches are nice. I'm making lots of friends and I look forward to swim meets.”
For more information on the OYO swim club, please contact Greg Rzentkowski, club President at 591-8360 or see the OYO web site at http://members.home.net/ottawayolympians.