Posted from the Herald Leader July 12 2008

In a recent interview with The Daily Graphic/Herald Leader, at no time was the size of membership of the Portage Piranha swim club ever discussed with me, so I do not know where the reporter got information stating: “The club, has seen it’s membership dwindle significantly over the last five years and hoped a new competitive tank in the centre of the city would have a rejuvenating effect.”

Our current membership has increased during the last three years and is presently anywhere from 80 to 100 swimmers, which include mini, pre-competitive, competitive and lap swimmers. The Portage Piranha swim club currently rents the Southport Aquaplex from the City of Portage la Prairie for 12 hours a week, from the beginning of September to the end of June, which is our competitive season.

In previous years, we have held invitational meets as well as hosted the short course Junior Provincial B championships. At these events, there are usually between 230 and 250 swimmers competing to better their times. Along with the swimmers come parents, siblings, coaches and higher ranking officials. The city of Portage benefits from these events as many of the swimmers and their families are from far off areas such as Thompson, Flin Flon, Dauphin, Brandon, Winnipeg, etc. These travellers have to find accommodations at various motels, frequent restaurants and diners for meals, shop at grocery stores for energy snacks, visit service stations, and purchase whatever other items may be necessary while in our city. We have always received comments on how well run the events are as well as how friendly the residents are.

I think a new regulation size competition pool would benefit all who use the complex, not only the swim club.

Brent Bailey

PPSC president