The Aces have had a very successful season and the summer months have been just as rewarding.

The middle of July saw three members of the ACES compete at the Special Olympic Nationals. Alex Buehlow, 15, Erica Buehlow 18 and Michael Heath, 21 won four gold medals each at the games that were held this year in London Ont. They will await to hear if they are selected to participate at the World Champs in Greece.

Alex Buehlow and Kris Sanders prepared to participate at the Age Group Nationals meet held in Winnipeg near the end of July. Kris unfortunately developed mono and was unable to participate. Alex had an incredible meet setting five new WAAC club records, recording 100 per cent best times and swimming his first open water event at a national level meet.

Heath is in his final weeks of preparation as he gets ready to travel to Europe to participate in the World IPC Championships in the Netherlands in mid August. He’s started swimming with WAAC this year and we wish him all the best and luck for a great meet in Europe.

The team recently awarded their swimmers with the season end awards. They are as follows.
Top 10 Most Time off on Swims: 10. Trevor Mains, 9. Kaitlyn Ulmer, 8. Josh Cober, 7. Rachel Woolvett, 6. Celine Funk, 5. J.Jay Funk, 4. Tyler Kinzie, 3. Elise Funk, 2. Caleb Isaac and 1. Jacob Isaac.

Most Improved award to the boy and girl in each age group who have shown the best overall improvement (time, stroke, attitude, work ethic, commitment, and sportsmanship through the year.)

Master: Sharon Neufeld
8 and under: Zoe Monnikendam and Grace Cameron, Brayden Van De Wynkel.
10 and under: Katie Cameron and Jacob Young
12 and under: Mackenzie Saar, Emily Duhart and Josh Cober.
14 and under: Mary Tilford and Tyler Kinzie
15 and over: Erica Buehlow and Trevor Mains.

Swim-a-thon: First time to 200 lengths Jacob Isaac, Tyler Kinzie and Damon Woolvett
Most Improved 6 and under Abby Mathews, 8 and under Grace Cameron, 10 and under Molly Cameron 12 and under Lola Vidakovic, 14 and under Caleb Isaac, 15 and over Erica Buehlow and Adult Kathryn Kinzie.

Top Fundraisers were: Marlene Mueller and Mary Tilford.

Good Sport Award given to at least one swimmer from each group who displays fair play, has fun and always works hard at getting better: Grace Cameron, Celine Funk, Damon Woolvett and Meghan Mackie.

Team Player Award is given to someone who is a very important member of the team because of their commitment, fun personality and for wanting to be a part of this team even if they are not the best swimmer, makes people feel welcome to the team: Liam Scorgie and Jacob Young.

Special Helper Award  is always willing to help anyone out helps with the younger swimmers, very enthusiastic and is great with team spirit: Kris Sanders, Caleb Isaac, and Meghan Mackie.

Coaches Award to the swimmer who is an all round athlete, they work hard, have team spirit, great work ethic, and the coaches love to have this person around. They have fun with all team members. At least one from each group: Iva Vidakovic, Caiti Meier, Kaitlyn Ulmer, Lola Vidakovic and Ally Govier.

Spirit Award given to the person who exudes cheerfulness, helpfulness, confidence and who the coaches most enjoy seeing on deck.This person shows great sportsmanship and cheers his/her teammates on no matter what: Molly Cameron.

ACE OF THE YEAR: Excellent team commitment great work ethic, team leadership, and role modeling, a determination to excel to the best of their ability throughout the swim season. This award is voted on by the swimmers, the peers to the swimmer they think best represents the ACES: Elise Funk and Jacob Isaac.