Columbia Shuswap Selkirks Swim Club welcomed 36 swimmers aged 11–12 and nine coaching staff from six different clubs to the Salmon Arm Recreation Centre on October 31 for the Okanagan Development Camp.
The first development camp hosted by the Salmon Arm club focused on strengthening the swimming community through connections and lasting friendships, in and out of the pool. It also introduced swimmers to ways of balancing sport and personal life, with lessons they could carry beyond swimming.
Organized by Coach Barry Healey, the camp focused on creating new friendships and experiences for swimmers. Bringing clubs together aimed to ease the barriers and stresses that sometimes build up in a competitive environment, while encouraging interaction between coaches to build a stronger swimming community.
During two 90-minute pool sessions, swimmers practised swimming and racing skills alongside athletes from other clubs. Coaches took turns leading sessions to build their own confidence, share ideas and learn from one another across the region.
In the classroom, dietitian Serena Caner explored not just what to eat, but how to plan meals and snacks around training, early starts and travel. Food examples and discussion helped swimmers relate the information to their own routines and ask questions about preparing for busy days.
Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Greg Stewart shared his experiences and spoke about goal setting, stress, commitment and time management. His session encouraged questions and open discussion among athletes and coaches, highlighting the importance of supporting young people not only as athletes, but in everything they do.
Participating clubs were Columbia Shuswap Selkirks, Vernon Kokanee Swim Club, Kamloops Aquatics Club, Kelowna AquaJets, Summerland Orca Swim Club and KISU Swim Club. Support also came from PacificSport, Shuswap Sports & Leisure Society, Swim BC and Team Aquatics.
