The 2014 Canadian Swimming Congress will bring together hundreds of coaches, officials and swimming leaders for a week-long set of meetings, education and awards in Calgary.
A joint effort of the Canadian Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association, Swimming Canada and Swim Alberta, the event will run from Wednesday through Sunday at the Westin Calgary Hotel.
The Congress brings the Annual General Meetings of Swimming Canada and Swim Alberta together with the Team Aquatic Supplies CSCTA Coaches Conference.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to have the leadership assets of our sport all in one place,” said Swimming Canada CEO Ahmed El-Awadi. “To have this many key people in Canadian swimming all together is extremely rare. It’s very exciting to have this chance to share feedback and receive the wisdom and input of thought leaders across Canada who share our goal of moving the sport forward.”
Some 200 coaches are expected to gather for the conference, while more than 100 executives, coaches, officials and leaders will attend the AGMs. Olympic women’s hockey coach Melody Davidson will be among the keynote speakers.
“We are thrilled with the numbers we are seeing,” said Chris Hindmarch-Watson, executive director of the CSCTA. “Since we started running these events in 2010 we have seen a steady increase in the numbers and to have over 200 coaches this week in Calgary is a promising step. Having this event as part of the Canadian Swimming Congress will allow us to bring more key stakeholders together as we move towards Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.”
Swimming Canada expects 100 delegates to attend, including provincial executive directors, officials, coach educators and other voting representatives. An additional 55 club representatives will gather for the Swim Alberta meeting.
The event includes joint breakfast keynotes featuring double Olympic gold medallist and sports commentator Catriona LeMay Doan Friday, and international climber and inspirational speaker Warren Macdonald Saturday.
Friday evening will also serve as the Swimming Canada and CSCTA Awards and Recognition Reception recognizing the Swimming Canada Volunteer Contribution Award, Volunteer of the Year, Ken Filippelli Award for Officiating Excellence, and the inaugural three inductions into the CSCTA Coaching Hall of Fame.
Swimming News courtesy of Swimming Canada.
