Able to SOAR

Unique program for swimmers with disabilities 

1x week SOAR

  • Children between the ages of 6 and 13 inclusive, with developmental disabilities, without significant physical or motor impairment that are both comfortable in the water without physical coach support (life jacket can be used) and that can work safely in a small group of 2-3 swimmers in an aquatic setting.

    Eligible Swimmers will attend a trial day to confirm if our club structure is capable of safely providing the services requested.

  • SOAR, is a great vehicle for improving pattern recognition, sequencing, memory, and reaction time. Children will gain comfort in the water, develop basic swimming and artistic swimming skills. The SOAR program is a great alternative to swimming lessons! Additionally physical activity has been associated to lower rates of stress, anxiety, depression therefore positively impacting the health and wellbeing of participants. Swimmers will have the opportunity to participate in group work and meet new friends as well as interacting with other members of the club.

  • All coaches have many years of experience as artistic swimming athletes. Additionally they are NCCP trained and have completed the NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability module and Navigating Neurodiversity in sport Training.

  • Each year there are Sept, Jan, and April sessions. We currently have programming at U of A, Grand trunk, and Confederation pools.

    Schedule and locations on page below

  • Able to SOAR is partially supported by grants.

    Financial assistance to pay the swimming fees may be available upon request (pending grant availability). Specific grants may be available for new immigrants to Canada pending grants approval). Please email president@excelsynchroclub.com for more information.

  • New applicants need to email alex@excelsynchroclub.com.

    Please Indicate the following in your email:
    -Name of applicant (Swimmer)
    -Age of applicant
    -If applicant is comfortable in the water without physical coach support (life jacket can be used)
    -If applicant can work safely in a small group of 2-3 swimmers
    -If there are any health concerns that coaches should be aware of on the trial day

    If Excel is capable of providing the services requested you will be contacted via email to confirm which free trial day (first day of the session) you too would like to attend. You will need to obtain a free trial membership through Alberta Artistic Swimming.

    Applicants will attend a trial day where their coach can confirm both that the applicant is comfortable in the water without physical coach support (life jacket can be used) and that the applicant can work safely in a small group of 2-3 swimmers.

    If the applicant is approved by the coach at the trial day you will be contacted via email to finish the registration process which includes paying online on the Excel website, membership with Alberta artistic swimming (available in Aug), and filling out the 2024/2025 Club Information form.

  • 2024/25 Fees

    • $100 for 10 x1 hr classes + AAS registration fee ($38+GST recreational program) (U of A)

    • 45 min class: $80 for 10 classes+ AAS registration fee ($37.50 recreational program) (Confed)

    More Information on Grants and Subsidies

Please email Alex@excelsynchroclub.com if you have any questions

Locations

  • 5:30-6:30pm

    Session 1 - Sep 20 to Dec 6

    No classes Oct 11 Nov 8 (TBC)

    Session 2 - Jan 10 to March 28

    (no classes Feb 14 & 21 or 28 TBC)

    Session 3 - April 11 to June 27

    no classes May 9 (TBC) & 16

  • 5:30-6:15pm OR

    6:15-7:00pm

    Session 1

    Sept 19-Dec 12 inclusive

    No classes Oct 10 , Oct 31 & Nov 14

    Session 2: (8 classes only - Pool closed March & April)

    Jan 9 - Feb 27

    Session 3: 8 classes only - Pool closed March & April)

    May 8 - June 26

More Information on the Competitive SOAR program can be found on the Competitive Provincial Stream program page