Kingston Y Penguins Aquatic Club

Y Penguins

A partnership between former marathon swimmer Vicki Keith and the Kingston Family YMCA resulted in the development of the Kingston Y Penguins Aquatic Club, a team for children with physical disabilities and their able-bodied siblings. Competitive swimming is an amateur sport that allows swimmers to compete with other swimmers at their own ability level. It is probably the most integrated sport in Canada.

Since its inception in 2001, the Kingston Y Penguins have grown to over 30 swimmers. All who began as non- swimmers have now developed to the competitive level. In 2003 The Y Penguins had their 1st athlete qualify at the Provincial level. Since then, the Y Penguins have had 4 athletes qualify and compete at a number of Provincial and National level meets. In 2005, two Y Penguin members competed at the Can/Am Championships in London, Ontario. This competition saw some of the top athletes from across Canada, the United States, Belarus and Uzbekistan competing. The Y Penguins returned home with a number of top finishes in their classification, as well as Y Penguin member Jeremy Baird winning a Bronze medal for placing 3rd overall in the competition in the 400 IM.

Y Penguin Medal Winners

Although the Y Penguins have seen some outstanding performances at the elite level, this is not the primary focus on the team. No one "sits on the bench" on the Kingston Y Penguins. The swim team’s focus is on keeping a positive attitude while focusing on ability. The team offers a fun and exciting environment where young people can develop both physically and emotionally, while making new friends. It offers a place for them to learn how to set goals, develop self-discipline and a work ethic, while they build their self-confidence. The athletes can choose to focus on individual self improvement or athletic excellence.

For more information on these projects please contact Vicki Keith at vicki_keith@kingston.ymca.ca or by phone at 613-546-2647.