"It’s about making changes for others"

There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer, and over the next few weeks, Swim Ontario will be featuring five stories about some of our many volunteers who give back to our sport. Thank you to all of our hard working and dedicated volunteers!

There likely are many people with the name Andy Mitchell.

None are like the man you are about to learn more of in this story.

He’s been a mayor, an administrator, chief of staff, adjunct professor, banker, federal cabinet minister, and deputy warden. It’s possible that I may have missed a few more in between. Up next, his role as President of the largest provincial swim organization in Canada and one of the largest in North America.

When it comes to a wealth of experience, there likely isn’t anyone that matches Mitchell’s dedication and commitment to the public sector. In fact, you don’t need Mitchell to explain that one of the greatest gifts an individual can give is personal time.

Throughout his impressive career, where he also worked in several cities with the Bank of Nova Scotia, as it was known then, Mitchell was active with various Chamber of Commerce organizations.

Mitchell has been a positive influence on thousands of people. Always open to learning, on a path in which he gained personal satisfaction, that experience has led to multiple success stories.

In many cases, there is a link to volunteerism.

While Mitchell’s motus operandi has always been to work for a cause, he has always focussed and exhibited patience and caring along the way. Those are also keys in the gift of volunteering.

Born in Montreal, schooled at Carleton University in Ottawa, in his younger years he took time off from his educational program to work fulltime. Some 25 years later, Mitchell fulfilled a commitment to finish his studies by earning a degree in political science.

The world of sports is part of the life of thousands of Canadians often making our lives more invigorating. It can be as a participant, official, coach, spectator, or fan.

While that holds true for swimming, being caught up in competition, awards, as well as the shouts and sounds that are part of the fabric of the sporting world, one invaluable and treasured part often gets overlooked. Many times, taken for granted. That is the work, and effort, put in by volunteers.

Being a volunteer is not measured in time or size, but about commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. Fitting that makeup is Mitchell, an experienced leader. He is now on a new journey after being elected by the Swim Ontario Board of Directors to succeed Anne Bell as President.

“Swimming is about younger people - and they don’t have to be Olympians,” said Mitchell. “The vast majority use the opportunity to learn, have fun, to learn important life skills and also be physically fit.”

Mitchell knows that the success of swimming, with Ontario boasting more than 20,000 registered individuals of all ages and the number constantly growing, depends on people who don’t necessarily have the time, but find ways to make it happen.

“The makeup of swimming is a sport that requires volunteers in many ways,” said Mitchell, whose wife swam in the Commonwealth Games. “Volunteering makes one feel worthwhile and good about contributing. It’s about making a positive impact on others.”

Albert Einstein once wrote that “Only a life lived for others is worth living”. So true, but the same could be said about the lesson shared by former anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, who served as the first president of South Africa.

“(Mandela) was an amazing man who left a great impression on me,” said Mitchell. “I met him when I was in Ottawa and learned about his generosity and his fundamental belief in the equality of all people and determination that everyone should be treated with dignity. While I have been fortunate, I always want to find ways to make positive adjustments and be a good influence for others.”

Mitchell has been involved in swimming for many years – including his time affiliated with the administration of the Trent Swim Club in Peterborough. As a resident of Lakefield, a picturesque community in the Kawartha Lakes area about two hours northeast of Toronto, the distance hasn’t stopped Mitchell from volunteering and officiating at swim meets from Orillia to Toronto to Markham and beyond.

“I get to travel around communities, and it gives me the opportunity to hear from swim clubs, get feedback, listen and look for ways to make improvements,” said Mitchell. “A few things become quite clear, the appreciation for all parents, guardians and others, who we depend on for their help as well as the staff at Swim Ontario, who stretch themselves to make positive things happen.”

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.