Bringing the pool up to another level
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
The Strathmore Lions, and Lions clubs in general, have always been known to be great community supporters. On Jan. 27 the Lions and Aquatic Society were recognized for their support of the Aquatic Centre.
In 2013 the Strathmore Lions donated over $80,400 to the centre. The fund helped purchase a timing system and bleachers for the Silver Sharks swim club, a chair lift, score board and starting blocks as well as the installation. Every year the Lions also donate funds for the free Sunday family swims.
“With the purchase of the timing system, score board, starting blocks and bleachers the Silver Sharks can now host sanctioned swim meets in Strathmore,” said Mayor Michael Ell in an address to the Lions on Jan. 27.
“This is such a great addition to our facility and will help bring more people and more events to our great town. We are proud to hang this plaque in our Aquatic Centre lobby to honour the remarkable contribution of the Strathmore Lions Club.
The Lions have been strong financial supporters of the Aquatic Centre from the beginning. They were instrumental in the construction of the building 11 years ago when the club donated over $50,000 in capital funding. The support has not wavered over the years, and has helped the centre, and its users, continue to have use of the great facility.
The Silver Sharks swim club currently has 97 swimmers. They have been around since 2006, and have competed in various competitive and non-competitive meets up to and including the provincial level.
“The Sharks greatly appreciate the support provided by the Aquatic Society and Lions Club, and could not provide as large of a club as we have today without their support, keeping a large number of Strathmore’s youth healthy and engaged,” said Lloyd Schoepp, president of the Strathmore Silver Sharks club.
“With the purchase of the new starting blocks, timing system and bleachers, the Aquatic Centre is prepared to meet the needs of the 55+ Senior Games and the Silver Sharks well into the future.”
The club had participated in, and supported, the bid for the 55 Games, and will continue to do so by sharing the equipment and volunteers for the competition.