Competitive swimming returns to Prince Rupert in September, with athletes diving backing into training schedules next week.
Swim meets are officially back after a drought of over a year due to the global pandemic, Chris Street, head coach of the Prince Rupert Amateur Swim Club, said on Sept. 9.
“Swim meets are what makes swimming great,” Street said. “That’s what kids are training for, that’s what they enjoy and frankly that’s what I enjoy.”
The first competitive swim meet of the season will be hosted in Prince Rupert on Oct. 22 - Oct. 24.
The last swim meet was held in February of 2020. In the time since, Prince Rupert competitive swimmers were limited to in-house training and time trials.
“We got a lot of great results in-house, but these kids haven’t been to a swim meet in a long time,” Street said. “So that’s the thing we’re most definitely looking forward to.”
Swimmers of all ages ranging from seven to 19-years old will participate in the full spectrum of events that one would see at the Olympics, with some additional event such as the 50 metre breaststroke and backstroke.
Youth athletes will participate in day-long competitions and take part in multiple types of events.
Teams from Prince George, Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers are expected to attend the weekend-long event.
The Prince Rupert Amateur Swim Club will host swimming assessments, and registration for new swimmers on Sept. 14 between 4:30 p.m and 5:30 p.m. Returning club athletes will resume their regular full schedule on Sept. 13.
COVID-19 mandates require people ages 12 and over to have proof of vaccination when entering indoor venues however, it does not include those involved in youth amateur sports, Street said.
“Swimmers 21 and under can participate in swim club without proving their vaccination status,” the coach said.
Club athletes 22 years of age or older have to prove their vaccination status regardless if they are competing or not.
Masks will be required inside facilities.
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Norman Galimski | Journalist
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