Looking back on 2024-2025, para swim coach Mathew Mossey reflects on a memorable year for para swimming at TSC...

When I think of successes from the past year, what immediately comes to mind are the experiences we had at swimming summer club.  The creation of para categories at Provincials’ allowed our swimmers to compete against other para swimmers, as well as having the opportunity to swim together on relays. It was a very beneficial experience that allowed our swimmers to experience success and be rewarded for their hard work.

Another story that I enjoy from the last year is remembering the swimmers' reaction when Reid Maxwell came to swim with us for a practice.  Having a Paralympic medalist swim in your lane is something that these swimmers will likely never forget, and it was a joy to see their reaction to it!  Since that practice, Reid remained a supporter to the Steadward swimmers, always coming by to say hi when he saw them at the pool.  

Lastly, we had our first team travel meet. The experience of staying in a hotel, having team dinners together, and swimming in a different pool was a new one for a lot of our swimmers- but it reminded me of the importance of these events and the bonding that can occur on these trips.  I saw newer members of the team bonding with those who have been here a number of years. It was an unexpected outcome from attending a small meet in Red Deer, and a welcome one.

2024-2025 was a year of momentum and success for The Steadward Bears Para Athletics...

The Steadward Bears Para Athletics team continue to see success in our training and competitions. In the Summer 2024 outdoor season, athletes competed at multiple track and field meets locally, provincially and nationally. Nine athletes competed at the outdoor Provincial Championships meet, with six of them becoming provincial champions, and five setting new personal bests. Britney Volkman, Maggie Slessor, and Matthew Dykstra were selected to represent Alberta at the 2024 Western Canada Challenge in Winnipeg, bringing home nine medals and setting four personal bests. These three also attended the Canadian National Track & Field Championships in Montreal – Britney was the national champion in the women’s 800m and 1500m wheelchair race, Maggie set two personal bests, and Matthew took home a bronze in the 1500m.

Starting the 2024/25 season, we had a new athlete join the team in September and welcomed a new coach intern to the program. Head Coach Maegan co-facilitated the first ever NCCP wheelchair racing club coach course in 2024, which Assistant Coach Evelyn and Coach Intern Akil both attended, leading Evelyn to become a Certified NCCP Club Coach. Three other coach interns attend the NCCP Sport Coach course and are working toward certification.

Steadward Bears competed at four different indoor track meets in 2025, with eleven different competing across the season. Five athletes achieved a personal best, and five were provincial champions in their respective events.

We are now turning our focus to get ready for the 2025 outdoor season!