(Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman and Josh Hall

Michener Aquatic Centre

Red Deer Marlins host 50th anniversary swim meet

Jun 20, 2022 | 3:34 PM

Dozens of swimmers from throughout central Alberta took part in this year’s Red Deer Marlins Summer Swim Club over the weekend.

According to organizers, 56 swimmers from 5-16 years-old participated, with the swimmers hailing from other local clubs as well, such as from Lacombe, Ponoka, Innisfail, Hanna, Oyen, and Killam.

This year’s event held at the Michener Aquatic Centre in Red Deer was extra special, as alumni were invited to celebrate the Marlin’s 50^th anniversary in 2022.

“It is a significant moment for any club to sustain viability for 50 years, but the fact we are still going strong post-pandemic is also worth celebrating,” said Lisa Driesen, President, Red Deer Marlins Summer Swim Club. “If not for many dedicated parents serving on the executive board to fill the gaps when things were uncertain, we would not have been able to have this season. Our current executive board along with our talented (and former marlins swimmer themselves) have made an amazing comeback.”

“Despite challenges with Michener having to follow some provincial Alberta health COVID restrictions, as we did not have our usual viewing capacity or swim camp area, we were able to hold a smaller but successful annual swim meet,” added Driesen.

UPDATE

Red Deer Polytechnic confirms student death on-campus

2h ago

retrofitting building

Carnival Cinemas applies to rezone for residential development

4h ago

Over 65 participants

Two-day family violence training hosted in Lacombe

4h ago

(Supplied)

“Red Deer really does need a new competitive indoor pool as we, along with other clubs, are not able to host bigger events such as regionals or provincials,” explained Driesen. “The outdoor 50m pool does not work for competitions that happen in 25m pools and is only available June-August, and is weather dependent. Thunder and lightning will end practices and events. The depth of Michener is not great either as the shallow end makes flip turns hard for our competitive athletes. The indoor recreation pool and the Dawe are not competitive pools.”

For more information on the Red Deer Marlins, visit their website, Red Deer Marlins Home (gomotionapp.com).