Our Culture
Athlete-centred, coach driven & family supported
Swim Ottawa (SWOTT) is a thriving not-for-profit focused on swimming excellence in the heart of Ottawa for over 20 years. We are small enough to provide individual attention regardless of skill but large enough to participate at the elite levels offered by the sport.
SWOTT has over 130 competitive age-group swimmers and primarily swims out of the 6 lane 25-meter Brewer Centennial pool located in the centre of Ottawa. We also run a highly sought after pre-competitive program to develop effective stroke technique that streams into our competitive group.
We have a proud history of attracting experienced coaching staff with national and international aquatics experience to deliver high quality coaching to our pre-comp and competitive programs.
The families of our swimmers are a major strength – we have a positive culture of involvement and teamwork without the need for fundraisers and mandatory officiating. We host at least one competitive meet and three pre-comp skills showcases each year.
Our Vision
To be one of Canada’s leading swim clubs through strong swimmer performance and positive team character.
Our Mission
To lead, develop and promote positive swimming experiences that set young people up for success in the pool and in life by pursuing athletic excellence and inclusivity within the team and the club’s broader community.
Our History
Swim Ottawa was founded over 20 years ago around the kitchen table of Tom and Marie Anzai. They were both well known elite swimmers in Ottawa who helped start several clubs in the city, but this one would be different. Originally called the Gefilte Fish Swim Club, the first swim session led by head coach Marie, had only six swimmers - two of whom were their own kids! The club quickly grew with it’s focus on fun and family. Tom’s enthusiasm and great sense of humour were some of the driving characteristics of Swim Ottawa. He loved to show up at the Club’s annual Swim to the Beat meet in hippie beads and swim the parent vs. kids race in his flared jeans!
Sadly Tom passed away at the end of December, 2017 at the age of 56. One of Tom’s biggest goals with Swim Ottawa was to have swimmers “just keep swimming” all the way through high school, when so many leave the sport.
Tom Anzai Memorial Scholarship
In 2018, the SWOTT Board created the Tom Anzai Memorial Swim Scholarship, to recognize those grade 12 graduating swimmer who have been club members for at least three years; represented the club at the Regional level or above; and shown dedication and commitment to the sport of swimming and school.
More info and eligibility criteria is available from your coach or the Board.
