Meet runs smoothly with 300 volunteer sign-ups
Newmarket’s first Invitational Meet of the new season “was very successful and ran quite smoothly the entire weekend from my perspective,” reports Juha Puusaari, new director and meet manager.
Seven other teams competed with the Stingrays over the Nov. 12-13 weekend in 120 events and from one up to 10 heats in each event. This Fall meet was smaller than the 15 clubs at the February 2005 meet, which gave Stingrays opportunity to swim in more events this time, and larger than the six at the June meet.
But it still takes over 50 volunteers just to run one session, and more than 300 sign-ups for the six sessions over the two days. That’s some 1,500 significant volunteer hours contributed, reports Steve Kingston.
During the Nov. meet Juha was helping retiring meet manager Emad Samwel “as much as I could and also learning as much as I could for the next two swim meets this season”, as he takes over the duties. “I would like to thank Emad for the tremendous work he did in our first meet.”
A new sponsorship program for the session programs instituted by Emad also contributed to the meet’s overall success. “We want to acknowledge that support from our sponsors, both parents in the club and businesses in the community, for their advertising in the meet programs. Your continued support is essential to ensure that all Stingrays have the opportunities to compete and excel,” Emad stated. They will welcome your support. With special thanks to Meet program sponsor Al Forno Pizza and event sponsors Aquapark, Eagle Dental and Herbal Magic.
“My goal for this season is to run successful meets in a professional manner, and to ensure swimmers, coaches and parents enjoy themselves at our Newmarket swim meets,” Juha commented.
“I also want to recognize our parent volunteers for their tremendous job — and would like to see as many, if not more, volunteers sign up in February! Take note that our February 25-26, 2006 Winter meet is on the same weekend as the Jr. Provincials in London, so all volunteer sign-ups will be essential. If you have the time, please sign up,” he urged. The Spring Invitational is June 3-4.
