3 Island Swimming members recognized at the 2009 Swim BC Annual Awards Banquet

Island Swimming coaches and board representatives recently attended the 2009 Swim BC Conference and AGM which includes an awards banquet to recognize the achievements of our BC coaches, swimmers and volunteers. Congratulations to Ryan Cochrane, Neil Harvey and Dr. Maureen Murray. All 3 were recognized for their achievements and/or contribution to the sport of swimming in BC.

Winner of the only swimming medal for Canada at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Ryan continues to excel at the international level in the sport of swimming. He won a silver medal at the World Championships in Rome this summer in the 1500m freestyle and a bronze in the 800m freestyle. He currently holds the BC and Canadian Records for the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle for both the short course and long course pool. Congratulations Ryan.

Island Swimming’s National Green Coach, Neil Harvey won the 17 & under Coach of the year award.   Neil is a level IV coach and has been a swim coach for over 30 years.  He joined Island Swimming in 2004 and used to coach 13-14 years olds for which he also won Swim BC Coach of the Year in 2006 & 2007. This year, Neil will be assisting Randy Bennett with coaching swimmers in the newly formed Victoria Academy of Swimming.

Island Swimming President, Maureen Murray was awarded Administrator of the Year. This is an extremely deserving award as she has been a very integral part of the swimming community in Victoria for many years. Dr. Murray was very involved in the Victoria Amateur Swimming Club and their board in the mid 1990s and became the president of VASC in 2000. She continued in that role until the 2005/2006 season when she then became the President of Island Swimming.  She continues to lead our organization in our quest to be the best in the country. In fact, she was the driving force behind the creation of the new Victoria Academy of Swimming. She is also the President of the Vancouver Island Regional district swimming board which gives her a voice at the Swim BC board meetings.  Her continued dedication to our organization often goes unnoticed by most as she diligently works behind the scenes. Therefore, this affords us with a wonderful opportunity to thank her for all she does and give her the recognition she so rightly deserves. Congratulations Maureen.