A new initiative is helping youth in Montreal North discover the world of competitive swimming.
Quebec swimming star Mary-Sophie Harvey, who has spent years making waves and climbing the ranks and collecting medals along the way, is now helping the next generation of swimmers dip their toes into the sport she’s loved her whole 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 way of giving back to the community.
“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 said.
Catherine Turcotte, assistant coach of the Montreal North swim team, says the team 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 said.
Harvey, a native of Laval, joined local coaches over the weekend to help youth from underrepresented communities not only discover the world of competitive swimming but to reduce participation barriers so they can see themselves as part of Canada’s sporting community.
“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 said.
Turcotte said that there has been a lot of interest in the program from the community.
“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 lessons, aquatic skills assessments and an information session for parents, Starting Line even says they’ll give financial support for 10 youth, to help offset the costs associated with competitive 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 said.
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