About Us

The Program

The Model

The Calgary Dolphins Swim Club is a parent run, not-for-profit organization.

The Calgary Dolphins Swim Club supports both a Learn to Swim and a Competitive Training program for youths and adults with Down syndrome. 

The Club provides a competitive training environment, appropriately modified to meet each swimmer's unique abilities and challenges, to ensure each swimmer's success. 

A low swimmer:coach ratio ensures each swimmer can reach their optimum potential.

The Club is a member of Swim Alberta and competes with other Swim Alberta affiliated swim clubs, as well as in Special Olympics meets. The training program is modeled after the methodologies used in a research initiative by Amanda Casey, a Doctoral student with the University of Calgary, Kinesiology Department. 

The study, involving thirty participants, showed that with appropriate training methods, people with Down syndrome have the ability to train and achieve a high standard of performance if the opportunity is provided.

The Strokes

The Calgary Dolphins swim club was established in 2005 to provide youths and adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to swim the 4 competitive strokes. 

Learn to Swim

Learn to swim is our developmental stream that improves swimmer confidence and comfort in the water while introducing and strengthening the fundamental skills required in swimming. This hands on learning atmosphere focuses on  giving swimmers the tools required to transition into the 4 competitive swimming strokes.

Competitive Training Program

The competitive side promotes a focus on endurance building, skill refinement and stroke enhancement through a combination of auditory, kinesthetic and visual coaching. Swimmers will gain the knowledge in the 4 competitive strokes to reach new personal successes in a fun and positive environment. 

Location

Calgary Dolphins practices are held at the Bob Bahan Aquatic and Leisure Centre at 4812 14 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0K9.