New Season Of YMCA Riversharks Swim Team Set (09/23/16)

(By Michelle Murray, Marketing & Membership Director Scenic Rivers Association: Oil City YMCA, Clarion County YMCA and YMCA Camp Coffman)

Last March, five Clarion County YMCA Riversharks swimmers competed and represented the Clarion County YMCA in the Pennsylvania YMCA State Meet at Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium. Pictured are Jake Nowaczyk, Brayden Murray, Patrick Young, Bailee Verdill and Alayna Murray with Coach Derek Nelson. The group represents the three school districts of Clarion Area, Clarion-Limestone and North Clarion.
Children will build confidence, set and reach goals, make new friends and be a part of something great in Clarion County. The possibilities are endless with YMCA competitive sports.

The Clarion County YMCA has announced a new season of YMCA competitive swimming for youth ages 6-18. The Riversharks Swim Team is in their fourth season. Practices and home meets are held at Clarion University during the week.

(Photo submitted by Clarion County YMCA Riversharks)

Practices are held from 6-8 pm although the length of practices may vary by swimmer. Practices are flexible and allow children to be active in other sports. Meets are held on Saturdays.

A clinic for new swimmers will be held instead of try-outs this year. Any swimmer who is interested in joining the swim team may register for the clinic. It will be held from 7:15 -8:00 at Clarion University from October 10-13. The cost is $10. Swimmers will be evaluated during the clinic. Any swimmer who joins the team will receive a $10 credit toward team registration.

“My daughter has learned so much about being positive and being a team player,” said Robin Henry. “The Y has offered her an opportunity that she wouldn’t have through school. The YMCA swim team has become her second family, from the older swimmers being positive role models, to all the parents who cheer on each child, even if their child is swimming the same race.”

Henry also praised the coaches, “The YMCA coaches truly care for the kids and respect them. My daughter is learning values that will shape who she is as an adult: hard work, a positive attitude, believing in yourself, teamwork, respect, friendship and loyalty.”

The community is invited to learn more about the YMCA Riversharks Swim Team through an informal parent meeting on Thursday, October 28th at 7:00 pm or Friday, October 7 at 5:30 pm at the Clarion County YMCA. YMCA staff will answer questions and share program details, registration materials and swim team requirements.
The YMCA positively promotes youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA encourages community members to stay active through spirit, mind and body. No-one is turned away due to inability to pay. Financial assistance is available.

Hours
The Clarion County YMCA is open Monday through Friday 5 am – 8 pm, Saturdays from 7 am – 2 pm and Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm. The Clarion County YMCA is located at 15952 Rt. 322 in Clarion.

For more information about the Clarion County YMCA and Y programs, please visit their web site at www.clarioncountyymca.org, call 814-764-3400 and follow the “Y” on Facebook.

(Thanks to Michelle Murray for this article.)