On December 10th, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Ward 7 City Councillor Scott Xie visited the New Stars Swimming Club to watch a training session and inspire the young athletes.
The visit was filled with enthusiasm and support, as they engaged with the swimmers and cheered them on.
New Stars club set up festive decorations for Christmas interspersed with medals won by their young swimmers, creating a delightful blend of sports and holiday spirit.
Among the young athletes was Lucas Bi, who recently set a new national record for a 12-year-old and broke several provincial records.
Read more here: 12-year-old Oakville swimmer breaks national record
Before the visit, Mayor Burton congratulated Lucas on social media, saying, "Congratulations to Oakville’s own Lucas Bi!" Lucas, born and raised in Oakville, felt immense pride in his deep connections to the town.
Elijah Gong, a 10-year-old gold and silver medalist in regional and provincial competitions, proudly introduced his medals, which he had won in the past two years.
He's not the only one who started swimming and training at an early age, showing immense dedication and commitment to the sport.
Many young swimmers in the club have similar stories of unwavering dedication, growing with sportsmanship, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Chenghui (from the Club) shared a heartfelt painting with Mayor Burton and Councillor Xie. The artwork depicted her and her teammates embracing and motivating each other, symbolizing the determination and friendship that define their experience in the sport.
For her, swimming is not just about winning and losing, but about the journey and the bonds formed along the way. This sentiment is shared by all the team members and their parents.
Mayor Burton and Councillor Xie praised the swimmers for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and friendship.
Their visit left a lasting impression on the young athletes, inspiring them to continue striving for excellence both in and out of the pool.
The New Stars Swimming Club’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment has helped many young swimmers develop their skills and confidence, instilling values of perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship.
We have faith that there’s more to come, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones and successes in the years ahead.
Mayor Burton and Leaders of New Stars Swimming Club