When Frank Comerford took over coaching of Sooke’s swimming programs back in the late summer of 2013, he hinted that a Master’s swim program will be started sometime in the future. In an article that appeared in the Sooke News Mirror on Sept 11, 2013 (“Sooke swimmers welcome new coach”), Comerford wrote “A new Masters ... who wish to get into and stay physically fit and/or compete and get very sociable will be started.”
That time has come.
There will be an organizational meeting at SEAPARC, in the conference room, on Wednesday, February 19 at 7:15 p.m. The Master’s swim program is for those over 18 years of age.
If there is enough interest, a Master’s swim program can be started in Sooke.
“It is also a social function,” he adds. “Adults are fun to coach and ‘I can teach old dogs new tricks’.” A Master’s swim team has been identified as a need in Sooke, and Comerford wants to “keep our current age-group swimmers in the sport as they grow older.” Comerford said he has helped adults stay fit well into their 90s.
Following is information submitted to the Sooke News Mirror by Frank Comerford, a ASCA Distinguished Professional Coach, currently coaching Island Swimming, Sooke.
Why Masters Swimming?
More and more of us realize that regular exercise contributes to good physical and mental health, whatever our age. Swimming is one of the safest and best ways to exercise. It doesn’t abuse the joints with sudden shocks and pounding and benefits the cardiovascular system, reduces cholesterol and positively influences muscle tone, endurance and emotional well-being. Besides, it’s fun! Masters swimming provides excellent opportunities to exercise with others, to improve swimming skills and stamina, and to enjoy doing it.
Masters swimming prime credo is fitness. Masters swimming means wanting to be fit, having the pleasure of being with other swimmers sharing these interests while doing it, and for some, releasing those competitive juices from time to time. Masters swimming encourages competition for swimmers of all abilities who like to challenge themselves and others at swim meets. Thus, by being a member of a Masters swim club there is an opportunity not only for fitness, but to meet and make new friends, to compete and to travel.
Women and men, young and old
If you are 18, you are old enough to join. Even if you are over 90, you can continue to be an important and active member of Masters swimming 7,500 swimmers nation-wide.
Swimmers at all levels of ability
Your desire to swim is what matters. How fast or slow you swim may or may not be important to you. Most of your fellow swimmers are more interested in you as a person. Most will be trying to enhance their swimming with improved skills, strength, and stamina.
Swimmers in health or rehabilitation
It is better to enjoy good health whenever you swim, but you don’t have to be 100 per cent fit or free of ailments to swim. Swimming has helped many feel better while still hampered, to partially recover from ailments or even fully regain their health. The process of swimming smooths the rough spots of less than perfect health even when it is not able to cure what is wrong.
More information
There will be an organizational meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7:15 p.m. at the SEAPARC Leisure Complex conference room. If you’re looking for more information, that is the place to be.
With information from Frank Comerford