Even as the 2009/2010 Championship Season has not quite ended, I would like to extend a hearty welcome to all for the 2010/2011 competitive swim season.
It is with great excitement that EKSC begins preparations for the season ahead.In the past two years we have made tremendous progress as an organization which supports our young swimmers as they train and compete.Our swimmers have achieved great success individually and collectively as a team.We have won a Provincial Team Championship, improved our team and individual performances at National meets, and have placed swimmers on several provincial and national teams.Our swimmers have proudly worn the Keyano colors as they have grown together as a team and as the team has grown in both depth and quality of performance.Team, provincial, and national records continue to be set by many of our swimmers.
While the success in the pool is fantastic and a sign of the skill and dedication of our coaches and swimmers, there is so much more that we need to do as a club if we are to continue to rediscover our place as a major contributor within the Canadian swim community.
As parents we need to continue to grow the culture of Canadian swimming.It is a culture of volunteerism and swimmer support through club committees and regional, provincial, and national board activities.It may not be the perfect system, but it is what swimming is in Canada and where we as a club must improve by getting more involved.This involvement begins at a grass roots level within our organization.
Over the past few years a great deal of club workhas been done by a very small number of incredibly dedicated parents.This is not acceptable in a membership as large as ours.We need to grow the base of parental volunteers on our committees, in officiating capacities, and on the Board of Directors.As a club we need to be in a place where we have a large enough volunteer pool to draw from so that no single person (no matter how industrious or capable) is indispensable.
In that regard, I am extremely pleased with the current Keyano Board of Directors.We have a full BOD and our Directors come with a variety of skills and backgrounds.It is already obvious how committed this group is. We are dedicated and prepared to do what is necessary to continue to move our club forward.
Many of you have already been approached and have agreed to volunteer time and effort on a number of our committees.Thank you for stepping forward.As this season progresses other volunteers will be needed for many different projects and initiatives.We need your help and we will be asking.You will not be asked to do what you cannot do. Like so many whohave volunteered in the past, I am certain that you will find it gratifying to help your club, supportyour child and his/her teammates, and feel pride in the resurgence of Edmonton Keyano Swim Club.
