Council congratulates Sea Lions for big results

By Olivia Bradbury

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There were special guests at the most recent Bay Roberts town council meeting.

The members of the Bay Roberts Sea Lions swim club were on hand to get a commendation from council for the athletes’ performances at the Provincial Swim Championships.

“We are so very, very proud of you,” said Mayor Walter Yetman, whose daughters were members of the club when they were younger. “I’m a huge fan of the Sea Lions.”

Yetman noted the club this past year had one of its best years ever, especially with regard to breaking and setting records. The club broke seven records at the provincial championships, earned first place in the boys division, second place in girls, and first place overall.

Club director Tanya French noted too that swimmers from the club broke two records at this year’s Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.

“It was a really great year,” French said. “We had a lot of top achievers, males and females.”

The club had close to 150 swimmers registered this year, its highest enrollment ever.

“The program is excellent,” said Mayor Yetman, who commended the great training the club offers youths, as well as its affordable cost.

Yetman showed off a photo of the Sea Lions that council was given at a celebratory banquet. He indicated it will be proudly displayed in the town office. The mayor then presented each of the Sea Lions with a certificate of congratulations from the Town. On hand for the presentation were French, Nicholas Dawson, age 10; Charlie Dawson, age 12; Hannah Dawson, age 15; Reese French, age nine; and Olivia French, age 14.