Quebec Olympic star helps Montreal North youth uncover aggressive swimming % CityNews Montreal

A brand new initiative helps youth in Montreal North uncover the world of aggressive swimming.

Quebec swimming star Mary-Sophie Harvey, who has spent years making waves and climbing the ranks and amassing medals alongside the best way, is now serving to the following technology of swimmers dip their toes into the game she’s beloved her complete life.

After representing Canada in two Olympics Games, in Tokyo and Paris, Harvey traded the world stage for a pool deck in Montreal North, which she says her manner of giving again to the neighborhood.

“I come from a small town, and I didn’t have the most opportunities growing up so I think it’s very special to give those kids a chance to potentially achieve their dreams,” Harvey mentioned.

Catherine Turcotte, assistant coach of the Montreal North swim workforce, says the workforce was grateful to have been chosen.

“It helps give the opportunity to new Canadians to try out a new sport and develop new skills and community-wise they’re involved with the community and hopefully they get to learn a new sport and a new passion and get involved for many years to come,” Turcotte mentioned.

Harvey, a local of Laval, joined native coaches over the weekend to assist youth from underrepresented communities not solely uncover the world of aggressive swimming however to cut back participation boundaries to allow them to see themselves as a part of Canada’s sporting neighborhood.

“It’s such a great program so basically it is the first year so probably going to have some adjustment but basically there’s around like four to 10 kids per group and then they try out different strokes, different drills and then they get assessed,” Havey mentioned.

Turcotte mentioned that there was quite a lot of curiosity in this system from the neighborhood.

“We are right now going through the evaluations and trying to see the best candidates that will be able to come back and continue in the program.”

In addition to giving introductory swimming classes, aquatic abilities assessments and an info session for folks, Starting Line even says they’ll give monetary help for 10 youth, to assist offset the prices related to aggressive swimming. 

“It’s honestly like life changing for some families and it gives them the opportunity to be in a community where you play sports, you get to meet new faces, you make new friends so it’s very exciting,” Harvey mentioned.