This month's message is a mixed one. As we deal with the awful news about the 39 school pools that are slated for closure in Toronto, we too, are revelling in the accomplishments of our swimmers and Head Coach at the Olympic Trials and the spirit of the group of young swimmers and families who were there to cheer them on.

First, there has been much action since the original pool closure announcement. Thank you to everyone who has written letters to the various members in governments and the TDSB. Thank you, too, for coming out to rally against pool closures. Your on going protests and participation helps keep this issue in the media spotlight. A subcommittee of the NYAC Board of Directors will be working on behalf of our members with respect to how these closures will affect our Club and how we should move forward. As well, we will be addressing the pool closures as participants in a larger group of active stakeholders from various communities in Toronto. Two NYAC members have been invited to participate in a meeting at the end of the month with the Chair of the TDSB, John Campbell. I will continue to keep you informed about any future events and outcomes. As mentioned in earlier communications, NYAC pool time is not affected by pool closures until June 2009, however, the committee along with Murray will be working to ensure that when the pools close, we have the least bit of disruption to our programs.

Now, the good news! GO NYAC GO!!! Head Coach Murray and his swimmers put on a fantastic show at the Olympic Trials in Montreal at the beginning of April. To paraphrase one of our Board members' comments, our small but mighty team did us proud. Kuddos to the 6 National Group members who represented NYAC with outstanding attitude and performance and congratulations to Julia Wilkinson, NYAC's newest Olympian!! Detailed results can be found on the Swim Canada website (www.swimming.ca).

There is no shortage of club events as we begin the long course season. The Swim-a-thon takes place on Sat., April 26 at DS. I hope that everyone is actively raising funds for swimming and the club. Thanks to Karen Cushing (Martin) for co-ordinating this event and to the P1 and ND groups who will be providing breakfast for the swimmers.

Sign up for the NYAC May LC Performance Meet (Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11) is underway. Remember it is first come first served, so if you are particular about which sessions you would prefer, then find the link on this website and sign up! Once again, thanks to the Dobrescus for designing the on line system and to the team of volunteers, Meet Referee John Chittley and Olga who are organizing the fully subscribed meet.

Cookie Dough forms were distributed a while ago. Some have come back, but please remember the deadline for orders is Saturday, May 10. The orders will be distributed at our Red, Black and White Fun Meet which is on Saturday, May 24th at DS.

Mark these dates on your calendars:

Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 at Bannockburn School is the NYAC Annual General Meeting. A separate communication will be mailed to you in the near future. There will be positions available on the Board of Directors. Details will be forthcoming, however, if you are interested in getting involved in either the Board or any NYAC subcommittee or if you have ideas that you would like to share about the future activities of the club, PLEASE email me (cmarjie@rogers.com).

Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 is our last hosted meet of the season, Mayor's Cup. Dave Thompson will be the meet referee. The meet package is on the NYAC website.

Friday, June 20 is the NYAC 50th Anniversary Gala. Tickets are already on sale!!! All the information is on the NYAC website. Make sure to order early as there is a limited amount of tickets to be sold.

Along with these events, do not forget the on going opportunities that NYAC offers to you as a method of saving you money and fundraising for the club. Loblaw gift cards (whu0721@rogers.com) make paying for groceries easy and profitable and Shop & Support (jkicksee@sympatico.ca) saves you money on purchases from a variety of stores.

Let's not give up the fight to save our pools! I promise that NYAC will be active in this cause and part of the solution moving forward. Let's also continue to focus on our club and the wonderful programs we have and how we will continue to provide them in the future.

Marjie Chud
cmarjie@rogers.com

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