For the past three decades, Suzanne has been a dedicated and loyal Official in Ontario. Over those years, she raised her family and worked as a Registered Nurse. Suzanne has always been welcoming to new officials, acting as a mentor to all. Her inclusive attitude helped form friendships and make the judging community within Ontario a family. Her dedication to the swimmers was evident when she often stated that “we do this for the athletes.”
Suzanne began her involvement in the sport in the early 1970’s as a swimmer. She became involved once again later as a parent and was certified as a Level 1 Judge in 1992. She continued judging with enthusiasm, eventually attaining her Level 4 National Judge certification in 2008. She represented Ontario at the 2011 Canada Games in Nova Scotia.
As a Level 3 Judge, Suzanne began instructing Level 1 and 2 Provincial Stream Judge courses beginning in 2006 and continued in this role for many years.
Suzanne acted as Ontario Competitions Chair in the 2006-07 season. Beginning the next season, she was part of the initial group that formed the Officials’ Management Team (now the Ontario Officials’ Committee), where she assumed the role of Panels Leader. She remained part of this committee until 2019. She was also a member of the Provincial Jury of Appeal.
In addition to her dedication to the Officials’ world, Suzanne also acted as an ambassador to the sport. She was nominated to and held the position of President of Synchro Ontario from 2007-2014, a role which she filled with utmost integrity.
Suzanne tells us she will miss judging, especially the social aspect and friends she has made, but is happy to hang up her flash cards to make time for her retirement activities, which include living part time in Florida and enjoying her grandchildren.
We are honoured to choose such a well deserving candidate as Suzanne Laroche to be one of this years Inductees on the OAS Wall of Honour.
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