SASKATOON — Swimming Canada senior marketing manager Kyle Johnston sees the 2025 Speedo Masters Championship as an exciting milestone not only for the entire province, but for national swimming as a whole.
The Shaw Centre in Saskatoon served as the city’s swimming hub over the weekend, where swimmers from various clubs across the country competed against Saskatchewan teams from May 15 to May 18.
The four-day competition has put the province on the national swimming map and was organized in co-operation with the Saskatoon Goldfins Swim Club, which attracted various swim clubs from across the country, including those from the U.S. and the U.K.
Johnston said that Swimming Canada’s decision to bring the nationally run masters event, under the banner of the national sport association, to Saskatoon is a massive step toward recognizing the masters community as part of the sport.
“Swimming is a lifelong sport. No matter where you are in your swimming journey, it's accessible and available. Seeing different age groups compete and connect demonstrates to the next generation that swimming is more than just getting in the water,” said Johnston.
“It's a lot about a lifestyle of connection and social connection. Pushing yourself to do things you never thought you could do, and I think that's a representation certainly for us here at the national level to see different ages competing at that level is remarkable and inspiring.”
He added that inspiring the next generation of swimmers and encouraging Canadians to maintain an active lifestyle through swimming are the goals of Swimming Canada in organizing the masters swimming event.
“The important thing is that swimming is a lifelong journey. You can start any time; it's never too early and it's never too late. We love to see people from all over the country enjoying the benefits of swimming and the camaraderie that comes with it,” said Johnston.
“There's a handful of swimmers here in Saskatoon and within the province. Everybody loves to feel the support of friends and family. All the people in the stands demonstrate that. We always enjoy hearing the noise at these national events and even at a meet like this.”
He said that working with a local organizing committee, such as the Saskatoon Goldfins and the volunteers, could mean that Saskatoon or the province would host more national swimming events.
“We rely on these groups to do much of the heavy lifting. We worked with the local organizing committee and the fantastic volunteers. From a national level, we host these events all across the country,” said Johnston.
“We've had a very encouraging and positive relationship here in Saskatoon, and if they're interested in hosting more of these events, that would be welcomed as part of the bid process by Swimming Canada.”
