2020
A Year in Review
This year has brought about challenges that have strengthened our community. We would like to take this opportunity to reflect the highlights of this year and welcome 2021. Below are some of our favourite moments of this year.
January
Lisa Alexander Competition
We kicked off 2020 with our annual Lisa Alexander competition on Jan 17. We watched athletes from all across Ontario show off their skills at the Olympium pool in Etobicoke.
February
Ontario Winter Games
On February 27, the torch was lit during the opening ceremonies to signal the beginning of the 20201 Ontario Winter Games in Orillia! Hundreds of athletes, coaches, and officials met at the Bracebrige Sportplex to bring this event to life. We also celebrated a huge success as we launched our Social Media Team and broadcasted this event live for the first time on our OAS Facebook account.
March
The Start of Virtual Training
In March, we launched the introduction of our new OAS rebranded medals at the Leslie Taylor Ontario Cup event which was cut short as we witnessed the effects of COVID-19 hit the sport community. While facilities were closing province wide, our dedicated athletes and coaches remained hard at work. We watched In awe as clubs/coaches found new and creative ways to engage athletes to train in accordance with public health restrictions.
April
National Volunteer Week
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the artistic swimming community. They help us support our athletes through countless hours of work during the entire season as well as leading up to and during competitions. In April, we took a week to shine a light on our volunteers and show gratitude for all that they do!
May
Tie-Dye Giveaway
Our very own Scarlett Finn got proactive this summer! Scarlett used her time during the pandemic to create and sell tie-dye clothing to raise money for healthcare and frontline workers during COVID-19. She generously offered one of a couple of her pieces for an OAS giveaway!
June
Our First Virtual Event
In June, OAS held it’s first virtual event with 12 different clubs, 25 coaches, 57 athletes and 6 officials! OAS Athletes had to qualify within their clubs to advance to Ontario’s Virtual Artistic Swimming Workout Qualifier.
July
OAS Coaches Become AquaGO! Instructors
At this point 43 eligible coaches had successfully completed their prerequisites and were registered to become certified AquaGO! Instructors.
August
OAS Athletes Become Senior Full-Time Olympic Training Group Members
OAS announced with great excitement that Emma Spott and Scarlett Finn would be joining the Senior Full-Time Olympic Training Group in Montreal.
September
2020-21 Season Registration Starts
This time of year represents new beginnings and this year was no different. The OAS Framework for Return to Sport was finalized and staff/board worked hard with member clubs to navigate a very busy registration period for the clubs and competitive athletes for the 2020-21 Season amid the continuing pandemic.
October
Ontario’s Got Talent! Athletes are Selected
51 of Ontario’s best athletes were selected to participate in the Ontario’s Got Talent! HP Talent Identification Program.
November
OAS Annouces a New Board of Directors
OAS delivers our Annual Meeting 100% virtually and announces a New Board of Directors. The OAS Board of Directors is a key part of our organization. We were ecstatic to welcome several new members to our board and look forward to the strong leadership team in place moving into 2021! OAS will be launched several Safe Sport initiatives that will be followed in detail in the new year.
December
Dryland Skills Assessment
OAS watched our talented athletes take the floor once again in the last virtual event of the year just before the holidays!