This coming weekend, another popular Nanaimo sports organization is holding registration for the spring and summer season ahead.
The Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club was formed back in 1966. During the many years since then the club has consistently lived up to its mission statement to foster “social and skill development focusing on each athlete’s personal best, in a safe and fun community-based program.”
Most of the club’s swimming happens outdoors, as the club uses the Bowen Park Kin Pool which it operates in a co-management arrangement with the City of Nanaimo. This year’s summer swim season officially begins on May 4 and runs through to mid-August. Along the way there is a full schedule of fun and competitive meets in addition to regular practice times.
Annual highlights of the season are the club’s annual Blue and White Meet set for May 23 and the Nanaimo White Rapids Invitational Meet planned for June 26-28.
There are also plenty of social events, cross training and opportunities for members to form new friendships. The club stresses commitment and teamwork, but the emphasis is always placed more on personal development than winning.
Returning for a second year as president of the White Rapids club this season is Leah Johnson. Joanne Kossey is vice-president and Russ Der, Sean O’Toole, Diane McGonigle, Noreen DePol, Cheryl Morch, Craig Rivers, Shauna Kazeil, Amy Nowicki, Melissa Todd, Don Goodman, Norm King, Michelle James, Kevin Bourgeois and Laurel Laturnus are others on the board of directors.
The coaching staff this season is headed up by Gareth Saunders, who will hold the dual positions of director of swimming as well as head coach. The position of associate head coach will be held by Byron Trajan. Coaches for the club will be Vanessa Yates, Hayley Price, Courtney Poulin and Richard Chisholm and junior coaches have been named as Taylor Snowden-Richardson, Riley Prout-Holm, Baylee Munro and Catherine Carriere Der.
For young swimmers interested in joining the White Rapids, registration sessions are being held this Saturday and Sunday (April 25-26), from noon until 2 p.m. both days at Kin Pool. New members are asked to bring a birth certificate and care card, along with a swim suit and towel so they can demonstrate their ability in the pool. There is no minimum age to join, but potential members need to be able to swim the width of the pool without assistance of any kind, using a recognizable stroke.
The registration fee structure is $340 for the first swimmer from a family, $300 for a second family member and a $25 discount for each additional sibling. This year, registration can also be done online.
The White Rapids also organize public swim times and private rentals of the outdoor pool. As well, sessions of Mini Rapids swim lessons will be offered during July and August. Sets of beginner, junior, intermediate and senior lessons will be available, with registration for those to begin on June 7.
To find out more information about the club programs, or to take advantage of online membership registration, the website is www.nanaimowhiterapids.ca.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.