by Roxanne Hooper
rhooper@langleyadvance.com
New starting blocks attracted more than 100 new swimmers to the annual Flippers Invitational meet in 91原创 this weekend.
The City鈥檚 Al Anderson pool was packed with 439 swimmers, plus coaches and parents gathered under shade tents around the outdoor pool deck. Most only emerging into the direct sun when they were needed in the water or pool side for timing.
A lot of swimmers 鈥� from as far a field as Hope and Port Moody 鈥� were anxious to check out the new blocks, just acquired by the 54-year-old 91原创 club, said president Leah Esplen.
鈥淲hen you鈥檝e got something like new blocks or something that would really affect an athlete鈥檚 performance, they鈥檙e eager to try it out, and their coaches are going to want them to check it out,鈥� said Esplen.
The two-day competition saw swimmers as young as two and as old as 61 in the water this weekend.
鈥淓veryone had a good time,鈥� Esplen said, noting it took weeks to prepare the huge event that closed down the pool to the public both Saturday and Sunday.
While no records were apparently broken during this weekend鈥檚 meet, the highlight of the event was a fun parent relay. About 65 parents, including 16 from 91原创, took their turn in the pool.
鈥淭hat was fun. That was definitely a highlight,鈥� said the president.
This was the first big event where the team was able to try out the new starting blocks in a competitive environment.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been using the blocks for as long as anyone can remember, and we have some grandmothers in the club,鈥� Esplen said.
Last year, they discovered cracks in two of the existing aluminium welded blocks, and realized replacements were mandatory. Dipping into the club reserve, $42,000 was spent to buy nine blocks 鈥� not including installation, she explained. The club paid for eight, while the City purchased the ninth.
鈥淲e wanted blocks that are going to last,鈥� she added, noting these ones will require resurfacing in 15 to 20 years, but are expected to outlast the life span of even the younger members.
The club is now gearing up to host the Fraser Valley Regionals from Aug. 5 to 7. The winners from that will advance to the provincials, happening two weeks later in Kamloops.
