2015 AGM and Awards
OMSC 2014/2015 OMSC award winners with some of the OMSC coaches:
Left to right: Most Improved Male Swimmer: Gord Sparrey; coach Jon Smirl; Swimmer of the Year: Cathy Sheehan; Most Improved Female Swimmer: Crystal Miller; Elena Dimitrov Award for Courage and Determination: Ashley Russo; OMSC Volunteer of the Year: Steve Gubeli; Community Volunteer of the Year: Christa Brueggemann and coaches Sue Morrison and Sally Wallick. Absent: Most Inspirational Swimmer: Gary Mellor.
October 6, 2015
Okanagan Masters swimmers receive top honours
Kelowna, BC – Okanagan Masters Swim Club (OMSC) recognized several of its members for their achievements and demonstration of the spirit of Masters Swimming at its 2015 AGM. The philosophy of Masters Swimming is to promote fun, fitness, health, fellowship and participation amongst adult swimmers.
Cathy Sheehan walked away with the ‘Swimmer of the Year’ floating trophy. Competing in the age group 55-59, Sheehan holds the Canadian short-course records for the 50 meter, 100 meter and the 200 meter backstroke. She also holds the Canadian long-course records for the 100 meter and 200 meter backstroke.
The award for the ‘Most Improved Male Swimmer’ and ‘Most Improved Female Swimmer’ went to Gord Sparrey and Crystal Miller respectively. Miller, who is making remarkable strides in her swimming, also won the ‘Elena Dimitrov Award for Courage and Determination’ in 2014 which this year went to Ashley Russo for overcoming her fear of ocean swimming by competing in the Alcatraz Shark Fest. This 2.4 kilometer swim has a notorious reputation with the biggest variable being the tides. Russo has completed a number of Across the Lake swims.
The ‘Most Inspirational Swimmer’ trophy was awarded to 71-year old Gary Mellor, for his relentless effort to master the art of swimming having started at a late stage in his life. Struggling to swim 25 meters at first, Mellor now is capable of swimming for more than an hour.
“No sports club can exist without volunteer support, and we very much appreciate the effort of a large number of people,” said OMSC president Neil Wyper. OMSC recognized meet manager Steve Gubeli as ‘OMSC Volunteer of the Year’ and Christa Brueggemann, as ‘Community Volunteer of the Year.’ Brueggemann can be found officiating at most weekend swim meets in the valley.
OMSC also announced their board members for 2016/2017. They are: Neil Wyper (President), Carmelle Guidi-Swan (Vice President), Laura Fleming (Secretary), Brenda Balderson (Treasurer), Sharon Spring (Registrar), Jennifer Leach-Trask (At Large) and Carol Taylor (At Large). Sue Morrison was appointed Head Coach.
