The Masters Swimming Ontario SWIMS Award

Pat Niblett

For the 2001 season, I am honoured to present the SWIMS award to Pat Niblett. The official award will happen at the North York Pentathlon in December, but the MSO Board presented it to her informally at the Summer Board meeting, held in July at the Niblett family cottage.

Pat began her involvement with swimming in 1972 as an official with age group swimming. She has continued this involvement, becoming a blue badge (or Master official / level 5) with SNC. During this time she has also served on t the Board of the Eastern Ontario Swimming Association, and was named to the Swim Ontario Honour Roll. In addition, between 1991 and 1996 she coached age group swimmers.

During her officiating years, she was bitten by the swimming bug, and joined the late lamented Bayshore Wavemasters in 1986. Shortly after this she started her service with the MSO Board in 1990, where she has served continuously until this past spring, including one year as president, and two years as MSC representative. While she is now taking a well-deserved break from the Board, she continues to serve on numerous MSO and MSC committees, including rules, and officials. She is also much in demand as an official at any meet where she is not swimming, and several where she is.

Oh yes, and she’s fast too! She holds several Ontario records, ranging from sprint to distance freestyle, and is now swimming with Duane Jones at Technosport. She hits the big 7-0 in 2002, and already has plans to compete in New Zealand. I can only hope that I have as much energy when I get to her age. Congratulations Pat, and all the best for many years to come.

Ralph Chown, President MSO
July 22, 2001