As board members of The Dalles Swim Team, we would like to thank Mr. Mike Weber for his obvious concern regarding the function and continuity of The Dalles Swim Team.
We have very positive news to share. This summer has been a whopping success for the swim team. We were able to recruit four excellent, qualified coaches, who have been instructing over 60 swimmers all summer long.
We sent the largest number of swimmers to the Pendleton meet in recent years, have had swimmers crack the top 10 all-time TDST records, and represent TDST at the state level. In addition to Pendleton, our swimmers have gone or are going to meets in John Day, Newport and Bend. We have even held three very well-attended intramural meets right here at home.
As I am sure Mr. Weber is aware, the board is made up of parent volunteers, all of whom have demanding careers. We, and other parent volunteers, have spent countless hours helping provide this healthy, fun opportunity for the children and teens of our community.
What Mr. Weber may not have been aware of, is at the end of the summer 2012 there were no coaches and only two board members remaining. To schedule a large meet, such as The Ted Walker Invitational Meet, requires placement on the OSI meet calendar. Year-round clubs plan for their meets a year or two in advance. So, as there was no functioning board at the time to place the meet on the state calendar, The Ted Walker Invitational Swim Meet did not occur in 2013. Mr. Weber should be very happy to know, we will be placing this meet on the calendar for 2014, and will be looking for volunteers.
I suspect Mr. Weber was being facetious when he implied that the board members would not be supporting the pool bond measure that is coming up in November. Individually, and collectively, we support the construction of a new pool, and will be actively encouraging others to do so.
If Mr. Weber or other community members have suggestions, or would like to volunteer their time or expertise, we invite you all to attend any of our board meetings, or contact a board member in person.
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