News release from the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, dated July 17, 2011 – see the webmaster’s note at the end of this post:
City Swim and Dive Meets Celebrate 50 Years
(July 17, 2011) – Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll, and City Swim Meet participants, parents and coaches gathered at the Helen P. Brown Natatorium today before the finals’ competition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation’s City Swim Meet. The City Dive Meet is also 50 years old and takes place next weekend.
“For 50 years these young swimmers and divers have enjoyed the thrill of competition, while developing a sense of dedication and team work. But it goes much deeper than that – as neighborhood swim teams – they’ve been instrumental in forming close friendships and strong neighborhoods throughout the City. Even today, the identity of being part of a neighborhood swim club is a source of pride for swimmers, divers, families and all the neighbors who cheered for them,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry.
Over 50,000 kids, 5 – 18 years old, have competed in the City Swim Meet over the last 50 years. This year, 14 teams entered the competition, there were 70 events, and 850 swimmers participated July 15 – 17.
“Our staff dedicates numerous hours to organizing and running the swim meet every year,” said Director Moll. “And we couldn’t do this without the 75 volunteers that help out as officials, timers and judges.”
Over the last 50 years, many of the children who have raced in Fort Wayne’s City Swim Meet continued to compete after high school, including Olympic swimmers Sharon Wichman (1968), Matt Vogel (1976) and Steve Bigelow (1988).
The City Swim Meet began at 4:30 pm on Friday, with the eight and younger boys and girls preliminaries. Saturday, the competition continued with the 11 – 12 and 15 and over preliminaries. The age group finals was scheduled for Sunday at 1 pm.
Burger King and the News Sentinel are City Swim Meet sponsors.
Webmaster’s note I have several news releases from various organizations sitting in my inbox. Part of the mission of this blog is to keep a historic running record of the goings on in Fort Wayne. To that end, even though they are out of date, I am including this older news release.
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