2025-26 Olympic Way Programs

Group Description

The Olympic Way Development 3 group serves as an entry point for young swimmers, encompassing the learning objectives and skill progression of the Olympic Way Minis, Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. This combined program is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to competitive swimming skills in a fun, supportive, and adaptable environment, exclusively offered in Burnaby.

This program focuses on developing essential water skills, fundamental stroke technique for all four competitive strokes, basic starts and turns, and crucial water safety concepts. Swimmers will build confidence in the water and establish a strong technical foundation necessary for future progression in the sport. The curriculum is structured to accommodate swimmers with varying levels of initial ability, from those just becoming comfortable swimming independently to those refining their technique across multiple strokes.

Main Objectives

• Develop essential water safety and comfort skills.
• Introduce and refine fundamental stroke technique for all four competitive strokes.
• Learn basic competitive starts and turns.
• Build confidence and foster a love for swimming in a group setting.

Criteria

• Target Age: 7 to 10 Years as of March 15th (While the target age provides general guidance, swimmers aged 6 to 13 years may be considered to accommodate individual differences in growth, development, and experience.)
• Ability: Shows readiness by swimming 25 meters independently with face in the water. Able to perform controlled front and back floats.
• Commitment: Emerging Foundational Level (Foundational Commitment Rubric) Score: 9+ 

Equipment

Swimmers need to bring their own goggles and swimwear.

Practice Schedule

3 X 60 Minute Practices per Week (15 Minutes On Deck + 45 Minutes In Water)

Competition

Swimmers in the Olympic Way Development group who are able to complete 25m backstroke and 25m freestyle may be invited to PASS (Progressive Assessment and Skills Session) and Olympians All-Squad Meets where they will learn the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a fun and supportive environment.

Registration

Registration will be accepted on a first-come basis. Swimmers are required to re-register for each session as per below:

• Session 1: October 1st to December 20th
• Session 2: January 5th to March 15th
• Session 3: March 30th to July 25th
• Session 4: July 27th to August 22nd

Fees

Below is a summary of the fees for the Olympic Way Development group. For comprehensive details on all financial matters, payment schedules, and policies, please refer to the 2025-26 Olympians Swimming Member Handbook.

• Member Registration Fee: $215.00 / Season

  • A one-time annual fee that includes club administration, Swim BC / Swimming Canada annual membership (providing access to sanctioned events, programs, and insurance), and a Team Uniform Starter Kit (one white team t-shirt and one team swim cap). Due upon registration. This fee may be prorated if joining later in the season.

• Swim Challenge Assessment: $50.00 / Session (Fall, Winter, Spring Only)

  • A mandatory annual fee per session (Fall, Winter, Spring) contributing to club operational costs. You can offset this assessment by participating in the annual Swim Challenge event and earning pledges from sponsors. Funds raised through pledges will be applied directly to your account.

• Program Fees: 

  • Fall Session: $575.00* (October 1st to December 20th)
  • Winter Session: $520.00* (January 5th to March 15th)
  • Spring Session: $830.00* (March 30th to July 25th)
  • Summer Session: $200.00* (July 27th to August 22nd)
    
    *Program fees cover coaching, facility rental, and operational expenses for the duration of each session. Registration is session-by-session.

• Payment Options:

  • Per Session Lump Sum: Due prior to the start of each session.
  • Installment Plan (Sessions 1-3 only): Available with a 5% surcharge. Payments are divided monthly within each session (e.g., Fall fees over October, November, December). Session 4 (Summer) fees must be paid in a lump sum.

Important Notes:

• Additional Fees: Please note that Event, Competition, and Travel Fees, as well as costs for additional Team Uniform items and personal Training Equipment, are separate and not included in the above.
• Payment Methods: All fees must be paid online via credit card (3.1% + $0.40 per transaction) or pre-authorized debit (1.2% + $0.50 per transaction).
• Financial Aid: Information on external financial assistance options (e.g., Canadian Tire Jumpstart, KidSport, and Athletics 4 Kids) and details on reducing fees through the Swim Challenge pledge program are available on our website and in the Member Handbook.