Winning and Giving Back

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!

By Rebecca Thomas

Volumes can be said about witnessing outstanding performances and historical achievements, especially by swimmers who weren’t shaved, tapered, or even racing in a season-ending event. Watching the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) and future GOATS compete on the world aquatics stage, is purely thrilling. It’s no surprise that the Canadian age group swimmers (and their parents) were energized and inspired just by watching some of the world’s best athletes compete in the same world class pool that hosted the 2015 Pan American Games.

The FINA Swimming World Cup, a three-event short course meter contest, arrived in Toronto in late October 2022; the 2nd stop sandwiched between the first edition in Berlin and the finale in Indianapolis. At the Toronto World Cup, eye-opening performances from two extremely talented female athletes included a World Record and several World Junior records.

USA swimmer Katie Ledecky swam a sensational time of 15:08.24, in the 1500-meter freestyle event, an astonishing 10 seconds faster than has ever been swum on the planet before. Canada’s Summer McIntosh set a World Junior 400-meter freestyle record, swimming a blazing fast 4:21.49.

So, how can a world-class event be successful, athletes aside, of course?

Here is your challenge—look around the venue: the lights, the pool, the television cameras…. all essential components of this grand stage. But what is essential for an event to become alive, pulse, thrive, and be a transformative experience for the fans, coaches, and world to watch? At the Toronto World Cup event, there was a staggering number of volunteers, 130+, and 120 basket carriers. Truth told; the right people are your most valuable asset. It’s a fact that a volunteer workforce makes a world-class event happen. Truly incredible power exists when a community unites to contribute to the greater good. You could say that giving selflessly is proven to decrease stress, increase energy, and improve your outlook.

Gandhi, a world spiritual leader, states this perfectly, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Who are these people, and why are they willing to generously, intelligently, and thoughtfully share their precious personal time? Leo Buscaglia, motivational speaker remarked, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Here are interviews with two of Toronto’s finest people, volunteers, and extraordinary women.

Meet Jennifer Owen

Jennifer is a professional environmental consultant by day –but also a professional volunteer for Toronto major events. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree and master’s degree from the University of Toronto. Jennifer shared the reason she volunteers, “I have always wanted to serve my community and love the big games.” She gives her parents credit for modeling selfless service to the community. Her volunteering accomplishments include the Invictus Games, World Cup Snowboarding, Canadian Olympic trials, and PanAm Games. She served as the press supervisor at the PanAm Games and shared that was a personal highlight. Coming up, she’s looking forward to volunteering for the Commonwealth Games. Jennifer enjoys kayaking, hiking,and acrylic painting.

Given a fun 10-question survey:

• What’s your Starbucks order? London Fog
• Pie or Cake? Pie
• What would be the name of a book about you? Selfless
• Childhood hero? Mr. Dress-up
• Favorite season? Winter
• Autograph you’d love to have: Adam van Koeverden
• What would you love to learn: Speak French
• Favorite band? Walk off the earth
• Dream vacation destination: Scandinavia
• Favorite book? Harry Potter series

Meet Anne Bell

Anne is such a warm, thoughtful, and kind woman. Her work ethic and commitment to the community are remarkable. She began volunteering because her kids swam and have continued while making it her life work. When asked what motivates her to volunteer, she shared, “my parents modeled the joy of volunteerism.” She added that she, “loves volunteering at the blood donor center, Swim Ontario board of directors, YMCA, and Canada homelessness board.” Anne keeps very busy with community events and loves to read, quilt, and play bridge. Regarding volunteering, Ann shared,

“It’s important to give and serve in Canada.”

Read Anne’s responses from a fun 10-question survey:

• What’s your Starbucks order? Grande Cappuccino with an extra shot and skim milk
• Pie or Cake? Carrot cake
• What would be the name of a book about you? My mother, the boss
• Childhood hero? Mother
• Favorite season? Fall
• Autograph you’d love to have: Leonard Cohen
• What would you love to learn: Speak French
• Favorite band? The band
• Dream vacation destination: Australia
• Favorite book? The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

Given the opportunity to meet or volunteer alongside these women, or any of the thousands of outstanding volunteers in Canada, be blessed.