Happy 50th Anniversary NYAC!!!!! The 2007-2008 swim year is NYAC's 50th. What an exciting year to be a part of the team!

Welcome back to all returning swimmers and their families and hello to all new members. I look forward to meeting everyone at our first event: the Welcome Back BBQ on Monday, Sept. 17th from 5:30-7:30 at 12 Bannockburn Avenue (NYAC office). Thanks to Sunny Lam and the NYAC Board of Directors for their help with this event. The BBQ is a fine time to meet your coaches and catch up with old friends. Olga Macel will be on hand for registration. All new NYAC swimmers can pick up your team towel generously sponsored by PepsiCo Canada. Swim & Sports (our equipment provider and sponsor) will be selling training suits and goggles. We are trying hard to have a sample of our 50th anniversary commemorative caps and t-shirts on display. These items will be available for order shortly and, along with a black competitive swim suit, are required team equipment for this year. The NYAC teddy bears are available to order so please bring a cheque to ensure you get on the list. Finally, the Welcome Back BBQ will also be a great time to learn about volunteer opportunities at the club. Please visit the information table some time during the event!

While many of us were taking a well deserved rest this summer, some NYAC members and certainly our coaches were hard at work planning for this season and following up on action items that arose from last year. One such item is the suggestion for a NYAC Handbook, especially for new members. Although much of the current information that you need is on the website or sent by email from your Pool Reps, it is helpful to have a hard copy on hand with general information about the club. Special thanks to Vivian Hu, Suzanne McKenzie, and Paula Ruivo for creating the handbook. It will be available at the BBQ.

Hilary Turnock and Diane Peirce compiled the survey results from last year and the Board of Directors is committed to follow through on some general action items that arose from our members' input. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The first third of the season is filled with activities both in and out of the water. Please refer to the NYAC calendar on the website for specific dates and times of upcoming events including the officials' clinics and time trial for new swimmers and newly qualified officials. Please remember that all member families must have one qualified official timer and stroke and turn judge. Swim & Sports will be back at Douglas Snow for team equipment and competitive swimwear fittings, orders and sales. The MacMillan's cookie dough fundraiser will be in early November. Loblaw's gift cards (whu0721@rogers.com) and the Shop and Support program (jkicksee@sympatico.ca) are returning as ways to earn back your fundraising commitment. Your Pool Reps will continue to keep you informed throughout the year of all these events and more!

The NYAC Awards Banquet is on November 16th. This event honours the participation of all of our NYAC swimmers as well as celebrating the team's accomplishments at all levels of competition. Some of the highlights include the NYAC video presentation and the distribution of the yearbook. The Board of Directors also acknowledge one special member with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations are requested until September 30th and can be sent to hungfui.lui@gmail.com. This is another opportunity for a social get together with NYAC friends. Each swimmer has a ticket as part of registration. Every swimmer and their families new to the club or returning are welcomed. Beatrix Lui could certainly use help with the banquet. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact her at beatrix.lui@gmail.com.

There are several swim meets throughout the year for all groups. The NYAC hosted Mega City and Youth Cup meets are on the first weekend of December. NYAC is also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Youth Cup! Officiating for this prestigious meet is the largest commitment that the club asks of our members. We have already had several teams subscribe for this year including teams from across Canada and beyond.

In the new year, we can look forward to many other club activities culminating with the NYAC 50th Anniversary Gala on June 20th. This alumni event will celebrate 50 years of NYAC. The committee, comprised of members past and present, has met on several occasions already. Plans are well underway and we are looking forward to what promises to be a spectacular event!

Please feel free to contact me (cmarjie@rogers.com) with any questions, concerns or ideas throughout the year. Best wishes to NYAC swimmers for a wonderful year filled with opportunities to reach your goals while having a ton of fun on the way!

Marjie Chud
NYAC President

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