The Battlefords Orca Swim Club is excited to host the first sprint series meet this weekend at the new Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre.
Jan. 19, the Battlefords Orca Swim Club held a mini meet which was an introductory-type swim meet for swimmers from the Battlefords Club, Meadow Lake and Prince Albert. It was an opportunity to try the Dolphin timing system, which the Meadow Lake Club graciously supplied for the Orca Club to use. The mini meet also provided an opportunity for the club to see how the layout would be for the upcoming sprint meet.
Guest parents from other clubs were impressed with the new facility in the Battlefords and positive comments flooded in from the other swimmers and their families.
Now it is time for the big event at the Co-op Aquatic Centre. Swimmers from Prince Albert, Meadow Lake, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Regina will be travelling to the Battlefords for the Sprint Classic. More that 170 swimmers are expected to be jumping into the pool this weekend. Swimmers will swim the butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke, freestyle and the IM, which is a combination of all four styles.
Sprint races mean shorter distances, so the entire event will be fast paced and exciting for the swimmers and the crowd.
The Orca Club currently has 20 competitive swimmers who will qualify for this sprint meet as well as eight swimmers in the introductory 3-2-1 Swim! program and seven masters swimmers.
The local club attended a sprint meet in Edmonton last year and thought it would be a great event not only to bring to the Battlefords but to Saskatchewan.
Although the pool will be closed to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, spectators are welcome to attend to support our swimmers and check out the competition in the new facility for free.
