The Cowichan Valley Breakers are hoping to make this year’s Splash ‘N Dash relay event the biggest and best one yet.
The annual swim and run at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre and Cowichan Secondary School will take place on April 17, and the club is inviting schools from throughout the Valley to take part.
“This year, we’ve introduced a School Challenge,” club co-president Wade Smith explained. “Schools can earn bragging rights, as well as a nice trophy, for having the most entrants. Our swim team has members from Ladysmith down to Mill Bay, and they’re spreading the word amongst their friends. All ages and abilities are welcome.”
Athletes between the ages of 10 and 18 can choose from three different events: the Standard Splash (200m swim/2km run), the Relay Splash (500m swim/2km run) and the Crash n’ Splash (50m swim/2km run).
For athletes between eight and 12, there is the Short Splash (100m swim/1km run), and for those nine and under, there is the Mini Splash (50m swim/1km run).
Kids ages seven and under can compete in the “Tiny Splash,” consisting of a 25m swim and 250m run, and can use flippers and a kickboard if they aren’t confident in the pool.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in our Pre-Breakers Learn to Swim Program this past year,” Smith said, “And I’m looking forward to seeing these kids show off just how far they’ve come along at this event.”
Entry fees are $30 (or $20 for the Tiny Splash). All proceeds will go toward the CV Breakers Summer Swim Club. The goal of the event is to make participation open to all, so some financial assistance may be available.
“Each year, this event gets bigger and more fun than the previous year,” co-president Sheila Coogan said. “I welcome everyone to participate and get a taste of competitive swimming and what the CV Breakers are all about. Many of our swimmers think they are participating in swim clubs because they love swimming, but what they will come to realize later in life is the character and life skills that swimming builds — managing their time and being accountable, goal setting, being an effective team member and collaborating with others toward a common goal.”
For more information, including links to registration, go to www.cvbreakers.ca
