Rotarian Ian Smyth introduced Andrew Clarke to the meeting on June 13, 2016.
Andrew grew up in Alberta but married a girl from St. Martins and moved to the area a few years ago. Since arriving in Sussex, he has been the head coach of the Sussex Swordfish Swim Club at PotashCorp Civic Centre. Andrew started the Sussex Swordfish Swim Club in December 2013 with 22 members. The numbers increased to 32 in 2014 and 44 in 2015.
The first year two swimmers qualified for the East Coast Championships, but this year 11 qualified.
Children of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join. Last year the Club started hosting tournaments. Andrew talked about the economic benefits this has to the community of Sussex as visitors come and stay in local motels and eat in local restaurants. It is estimated that each visiting family could potentially spend $400 for a weekend tournament. This past year there were over 200 swimmers who came for the competition.
The Sussex Swordfish Swim Club received the most improved team award from the Mary Lampert Tournament.
Andrew praised the Civic Centre as being a para-facility allowing easy access to the pool and other floors of the facility. Andrew spoke with an appreciation for two other coaches who have joined his team – John Keeler and Ellen Watters.
Rotarian Jeff Fuller thanked Andrew for his presentation and the work that he is doing with the students in our area.