Yukon youth aged seven to 11 travelled to Calgary to compete in the Dino Cup swim meet held at the University of Calgary Aquatic Centre from April 12 to 13 The Whitehorse Glacier Bears swim team represented the Yukon in a competitive event against Western Canadian swim clubs at the U11 Dino Cup swim meet, held at the University of Calgary Aquatic Centre from April 12 to 13. The Whitehorse Glacier Bears put together the largest team, consisting of 40 swimmers aged seven to 11, among clubs from Alberta and British Columbia, according to Stephanie Main, a coach with the Whitehorse swim club. Teagan LaForme claimed first place in the 25-metre freestyle, third in the 50-metre backstroke, fourth in the 50-metre breaststroke and fifth in both the 100-metre backstroke and 50-metre freestyle. Hendrix Mulli took second in the 50-metre breaststroke and third in both the 100-metre freestyle and 25-metre freestyle. Gabriella Dakin placed second in the 25-metre backstroke, while Zoe Phillips finished fifth in the 100-metre breaststroke. Swimmers selected four to six races to compete in during the Dino Cup weekend, with many from the Whitehorse Glacier Bears team trying new events like the 100-metre individual medley or 50-metre butterfly for the first time, according to Main. “Many of the Whitehorse athletes were attending their first-ever away swim meet. For some, it was even their first visit to Calgary,” Main wrote. Three Glacier Bears coaches and a team of parent volunteers worked from morning to evening throughout the weekend, ensuring swimmers stayed motivated and had fun in a new competitive environment. The Glacier Bears credit their success and enjoyment at the Dino Cup to this support, Main said. Beyond the competition, the trip provided Yukon youth with new experiences, including travelling together as a team, visiting Calgary and building friendships, Main said. The Whitehorse Glacier Bears previously made a splash at the Northern and Interior B.C. Winter Divisional Championships, held Feb. 21-23 in Penticton, B.C., by securing six medals. The club is gearing up for future competitions with events marked on the club’s calendar through July. The Whitehorse Glacier Bears will host the Yukon Champs Invitational Swim Meet from May 2-4, welcoming teams such as the Cascade Swim Club from Calgary, the N.W.T. Polar Bears and the Haines Alaska Dolphins. Up to 300 athletes are expected to travel to the Yukon to compete in Whitehorse.Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
Whitehorse Glacier Bears sends 40 swimmers to Calgary swim meet
