Okotoks Mavericks sending six to Alberta Summer Games

Consistent performances in short distance events have paid off for a half-dozen Okotoks swimmers. 

Okotoks Mavericks swimmers Sofiya Chistyakova, Mikayla Paul, Peyton Jones, Slade Diakiw, Oscar Bednarz and Declan Harrison have raced their way into the 2023 Alberta Summer Games next month in Okotoks and Diamond Valley. 

“I was really excited to (know) that I get to swim in the Games,” said Chistyakova, 14. “I’ve never done it before. 

“I’m going to try my hardest, get best times and just try to have fun.” 

The qualification process for swimming rewarded consistent performances in the 100m freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke during the short course season from last July to June 11, 2023 with points awarded for top-three finishes. 

From there, the top-three swimmers in aggregate score were selected among the 2008-2011 birth years. 

“I was happy for that opportunity, I was excited,” said Paul, 14. “I think it’s cool that this pool (Riley Minue) can host it.”  

Jones, 13, said the chance to meet new people at the Games will be one of her highlights. 

“I’m excited to see what’s going to happen,” Jones said. “This is pretty new to me, so I think it’s going to be different connecting with different people in (other sports).”  

Harrison said it was a bit of a surprise to put himself in this position, noting he was in a lower group and racked up some fast times during the campaign. 

The Okotoks qualifiers will form part of the Zone 2 Big Country squad, encompassing a large region spanning the western and eastern borders of the province surrounding the Calgary area, giving the athletes the rare opportunity to share team colours with normally rival swim clubs. 

“That’s going to be pretty cool, I have some friends on other clubs so I’m pretty excited about that,” Bednarz said. “I hope to make new times, hopefully get a medal and compete against other clubs and other people I’ve never seen before.” 

Mavericks swimmer Lucy Wiens also qualified for the Games, but will not be able to attend due to her booking a spot at the 2023 Canadian Junior and Senior Championships held during the same time period.  

Swimming is one of 14 sports that will be showcased during the Alberta Summer Games from July 20-23, with 13 of the 14 events held in Okotoks and the mountain biking portion in Diamond Valley. 

For more information, visit 2023asg.com.