Established in the late 1960s, the OYO swim club has a history of promoting excellence in competitive swimming through a structured program that combines a comprehensive training regimen with regular swim meets.
Originally branded the OYO Governors (after the Retirement Residence in New Edinburgh of the same name), the club swam out of the Carlingwood YMCA-YWCA from its inception until 2012 when that facility was closed.
The club benefited for many years from an affiliation with the Y. OYO now finds its home in a number of the pools across Ottawa.
During its history, OYO has been run by parent volunteers. Working with the coaches, an elected executive has administered the club's business and committees have handled the many activities of the club. More recently the club has benefited from the work of a part-time team manager who has taken on such roles as communication, registration, treasurer, etc.
OYO has always taken pride in offering a positive environment where every swimmer matters. The club has been kept purposively small so as to allow coaches to focus on both the athletic and social development of EACH swimmer. A small swimmer to coach ratio means extensive individual attention and a close coach-swimmer bond.
During its history, OYO has received both individual and team honors. Swimmers have proudly represented the team at regional, provincial and national level meets often swimming in finals and making the podium. In addition, several members of the club have gone on to swim with university teams. OYO has been named top small team numerous times at the Eastern Ontario Regional Championships. OYO is currently a thriving club of about 50 swimmers.
Passionate certified swim coach (NCCP level 2). She has been in OYO Swim Club since January 2015. Norma was a competitive swimmer and professional Triathlete. Her wide experience in swimming and coaching allows her to build strong bonding with our swimmers. Norma is the Head Coach in OYO.
Boyko has been coaching swimmers of all ages for 20 years. He has competed as a swimmer and pentathlete at both National and International levels and has a formal education in Teaching and Sports Education. Boyko has been coaching OYO swimmers during the last 10 years.
Swimming enthusiast and NCCP level 1 coaching our swimmers form the Blue Advanced group.
Janelle is coaching our younger swimmers in the Blue group. She was a competitive swimmer since she was very young and now she is a certified NCCP level 1 coach.