Dinos @ Swim AB Festival - Summer '26

UCSC had a great squad of swimmers at the Festival meet in Grande Prairie June 12-14. Thirty-seven swimmers aged 9-12, from the Development level up to Provincial Champs qualifiers, Top 5 and Top 10 Swim Alberta recognized swimmers, and club record holders. Even with such a big range of expertise in our athletes, there were many many opportunities for new experiences for everyone.

The Eastlink Centre pool in Grande Prairie is great and spacious and the pool was fast. Dinos swam to best times, some new qualifying times, and club records. Relays were thrilling, some very close races and in one instance, some very excited 10&U girls actually SO anxious to get up on the blocks that they raced one event too soon - stepping up on the blocks in the 12&U mixed event before the officials could stop them!  

The atmosphere at the Festival meet is humming with so many young swimmers, many at their first Provincial meet, learning the protocols and the pace of that type of meet. The swimmers showed independence getting their warm ups done, getting behind the blocks with plenty of time to prepare (some at their first meet without marshalling), and rising to the occasion with speed and great racing. Many made finals for the very first time, and many had busy afternoon sessions, swimming finals in all, or almost all of their events.  

As always we're grateful for the grown ups who get their swimmers where they need to be, on time, well rested, and fed! Grande Prairie is a bit of a jaunt for us Southern Albertans, and we are sending extra appreciation for the time and effort that it takes to support your swimmers in these ways.

Finally, the meet was wonderfully well run with officials and volunteers helping everyone to feel supported in doing their best for the swimmers.Thanks to Swim Alberta and the Grande Prairie Piranhas for such a great time!