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24 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, July 29, 2010 AN OPEN Invitation Being a parent is a difficult job. We want to give our children the opportunity to find their niche in the world, and participate in something that will not just keep them occupied, but will help them grow into well rounded individuals. The choices are many in Halton Hills, and all extra circular programs in our great community provide this to one degree or another. We would like you to consider our alternative: The Halton Hills Blue Fins. Once considered a small "social" swim club, we have transformed ourselves into a bustling 200+ member club. Our results at provincewide meets over the last two years have lead to our promotion to the top-tier of provincial clubs, now swimming in the same Swim Ontario Division as provincial powerhouses such as Toronto Swim Club, Etobicoke Swimming, and the Guelph Marlins. Once a rarity, we now consistently have medal results at both Junior and Senior Provincial Championships, as well as Age Group National competitions. But competition is only one side of the coin. Led by our professional full-time Head Coach Mike Thompson, our coaching staff stress values such as goal setting, work ethic, teamwork and citizenship. Offering seven levels of programs ranging from our introductory Mini-Fins up to our Senior 2 elite group, every Blue Fin is given the opportunity to develop their swimming career to their full potential and desire. On top of everything else, our Blue Fins have fun. Our swimmers also give back. A group of senior Blue Fins will be participating this October in the "Run for the Cure" to raise money for Breast Cancer research. Our swimmers and coaches have participated together in the "Angel Hair" program where their shorn locks are used to make wigs for cancer patients. At one of our recent event days, all swimmers were asked to colour in fish pictures on 12" muslin squares, which were then used in the "Quilts for Children" program, providing support for children undergoing cancer treatment. We invite all youth in Halton Hills to become part of our club's future. Skill is less important than the desire to be part of a team with the common goal of selfimprovement; there is a place for everyone. With a near 100% year-on-year retention rate, we're confident that once you put on our suit, you'll be a Blue Fin for life. Accepting New Registrations Early September Training for all levels of swimming from Mini-Fins to Senior Competitive and Masters. Fall registration and assessments for new swimmers will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the Georgetown Indoor Pool. Watch for details in August in this newspaper. For registration or general information e-mail info@haltonhillsbluefins.ca or visit our website at www.haltonhillsbluefins.ca